Psalm 23

A David Psalm

1 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.2 You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.3 True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

Psalm 24

A David Psalm

1 God claims Earth and everything in it, God claims World and all who live on it.2 He built it on Ocean foundations, laid it out on River girders.

3 Who can climb Mount God? Who can scale the holy north-face?4 Only the clean-handed, only the pure-hearted; Men who won't cheat, women who won't seduce.

5 God is at their side; with God's help they make it.6 This, Jacob, is what happens to God-seekers, God-questers.

7 Wake up, you sleepyhead city! Wake up, you sleepyhead people! King-Glory is ready to enter.

8 Who is this King-Glory? God, armed and battle-ready.

9 Wake up, you sleepyhead city! Wake up, you sleepyhead people! King-Glory is ready to enter.

10 Who is this King-Glory? God of the angel armies: he is King-Glory.

Psalm 25

A David Psalm

1 My head is high, God, held high;2 I'm looking to you, God; No hangdog skulking for me.

3 I've thrown in my lot with you; You won't embarrass me, will you? Or let my enemies get the best of me? Don't embarrass any of us Who went out on a limb for you. It's the traitors who should be humiliated.

4 Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways.

5 Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren't you?

6 Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks!

7 Forget that I sowed wild oats; Mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God!

8 God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction.

9 He gives the rejects his hand, And leads them step-by-step.

10 From now on every road you travel Will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; Read the charted directions.

11 Keep up your reputation, God; Forgive my bad life; It's been a very bad life.

12 My question: What are God-worshipers like? Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's-eye.

13 They settle down in a promising place; Their kids inherit a prosperous farm.

14 God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in.

15 If I keep my eyes on God, I won't trip over my own feet.

16 Look at me and help me! I'm all alone and in big trouble.

17 My heart and kidneys are fighting each other; Call a truce to this civil war.

18 Take a hard look at my life of hard labor, Then lift this ton of sin.

19 Do you see how many people Have it in for me? How viciously they hate me?

20 Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble; Don't let me down when I run to you.

21 Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.

22 God, give your people a break From this run of bad luck.