Psalm 5: Covered by the Cross

Lord of my life,

my King and my God,

hear my prayer.

As I waken to this new day,

I lay my heart before you.

Accept my offerings of praise and confession.

You alone are God,

holy and good and steadfast.

You do not tolerate evil in your courts.

The wicked and the boastful have no part in you.

You despise arrogance and bloodthirsty violence;

you destroy liars and deceivers.

And what of me, Lord?

If not for your unfailing love and mercy,

I could not come into your presence,

for without Jesus, I am “the wicked”;

I am “the boastful.”

I have deceived those who trusted me;

I have revenged myself on those who hurt me.

I am not worthy to enter your house.

Yet you bid me stand before you

in the shadow of the cross.

In fear and love I come, Lord.

Show me your righteous ways

that I may follow them today.

For wickedness and selfish ways abound,

tempting me to follow wrong paths,

luring me toward my own destruction.

The world speaks in flattering language,

but its throat is an open grave;

its advice is hollow and deceptive.

How happy are those who take refuge in your truth, O Lord,

who find joy in the beauty of your goodness.

Bring low my proud heart

that I may receive your wise counsel.

Cover me with your favor

that I may sing of your mercy to me in Christ Jesus.