for they will not amend their ways

 

Daytime Prayer, Wednesday 12 June 2024

Psalm 55:2-15, 17-24
Against a friend proved traitor

II

If this had been done by an enemy *
I could bear his taunts.
If a rival had risen against me, *
I could hide from him.

But it is you, my own companion, *
my intimate friend!
How close was the friendship between us. †
We walked together in harmony *
in the house of God.

As for me, I will cry to God *
and the Lord will save me.
Evening, morning and at noon *
I will cry and lament.

He will deliver my soul in peace *
in the attack against me:
for those who fight me are many, *
but he hears my voice.

God will hear and will humble them, *
the eternal judge:
for they will not amend their ways. *
They have no fear of God.

The traitor has turned against his friends; *
he has broken his word.
His speech is softer than butter, *
but war is in his heart.
His words are smoother than oil, *
but they are naked swords.

Entrust your cares to the Lord *
and he will support you.
He will never allow *
the just man to stumble.

But you, O God, will bring them down *
to the pit of death.
Deceitful and bloodthirsty men *
shall not live half their days.

O Lord, I will trust in you.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.