Psalm 19

A David Psalm

1 God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.2 Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.

3 Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded,

4 But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. God makes a huge dome for the sun-a superdome!5 The morning sun's a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.

6 That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.

7 The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.8 The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.9 God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.

10 God's Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You'll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.

11 There's more: God's Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure.12 Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool?13 Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.14 These are the words in my mouth; these are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning altar, O God, my Altar-Rock, God, Priest-of-My-Altar.

Psalm 20

A David Psalm

1 God answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach,2 Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies,3 Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices,4 Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans.

5 When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true!

6 That clinches it-help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out.

7 See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for God our God.8 The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame-and we'll be on our feet, standing tall.

9 Make the king a winner, God; the day we call, give us your answer.

Psalm 21

A David Psalm

1 Your strength, God, is the king's strength. Helped, he's hollering Hosannas.2 You gave him exactly what he wanted; you didn't hold back.3 You filled his arms with gifts; you gave him a right royal welcome.4 He wanted a good life; you gave it to him, and then made it a long life as a bonus.5 You lifted him high and bright as a cumulus cloud, then dressed him in rainbow colors.6 You pile blessings on him; you make him glad when you smile.7 Is it any wonder the king loves God? that he's sticking with the Best?

8 With a fistful of enemies in one hand and a fistful of haters in the other,9 You radiate with such brilliance that they cringe as before a furnace. Now the furnace swallows them whole, the fire eats them alive!10 You purge the earth of their progeny, you wipe the slate clean.11 All their evil schemes, the plots they cook up, have fizzled-every one.12 You sent them packing; they couldn't face you.

13 Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!