Psalm 1

The Way to Happiness ¹ God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. ² Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. ³ They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do. ⁴ That isn’t true of those who are evil, because they are like straw blown by the wind. ⁵ Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God. ⁶ The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road that leads to ruin.  Psalm 2 The Lord’s Chosen King ¹ Why do the nations plot, and why do their people make useless plans? ² The kings of this earth have all joined together to turn against the Lord and his chosen one. ³ They say, "Let’s cut the ropes and set ourselves free!" ⁴ In heaven the Lord laughs as he sits on his throne, making fun of the nations. ⁵ The Lord becomes furious and threatens them. His anger terrifies them as he says, ⁶ "I’ve put my king on Zion, my sacred hill." ⁷ I will tell the promise that the Lord made to me: "You are my son, because today I have become your father. ⁸ Ask me for the nations, and every nation on earth will belong to you. ⁹ You will smash them with an iron rod and shatter them like dishes of clay." ¹⁰ Be smart, all you rulers, and pay close attention. ¹¹ Serve and honor the Lord; be glad and tremble. ¹² Show respect to his son because if you don’t, the Lord might become furious and suddenly destroy you. But he blesses and protects everyone who runs to him.  Psalm 3 [Written by David when he was running from his son Absalom.] An Early Morning Prayer ¹ I have a lot of enemies, Lord. Many fight against ² me and say, "God won’t rescue you!" ³ But you are my shield, and you give me victory and great honor. ⁴ I pray to you, and you answer from your sacred hill. ⁵ I sleep and wake up refreshed because you, Lord, protect me. ⁶ Ten thousand enemies attack from every side, but I am not afraid. ⁷ Come and save me, Lord God! Break my enemies’ jaws and shatter their teeth, ⁸ because you protect and bless your people.  Psalm 4 [A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.] An Evening Prayer ¹ You are my God and protector. Please answer my prayer. I was in terrible distress, but you set me free. Now have pity and listen as I pray. ² How long will you people refuse to respect me? You love foolish things, and you run after what is worthless. ³ The Lord has chosen everyone who is faithful to be his very own, and he answers my prayers. ⁴ But each of you had better tremble and turn from your sins. Silently search your heart as you lie in bed. ⁵ Offer the proper sacrifices and trust the Lord. ⁶ There are some who ask, "Who will be good to us?" Let your kindness, Lord, shine brightly on us. ⁷ You brought me more happiness than a rich harvest of grain and grapes. ⁸ I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.  Psalm 5 [A psalm by David for the music leader. Use flutes.] A Prayer for Help ¹ Listen, Lord, as I pray! Pay attention when I groan. ² You are my King and my God. Answer my cry for help because I pray to you. ³ Each morning you listen to my prayer, as I bring my requests to you and wait for your reply. ⁴ You are not the kind of God who is pleased with evil. Sinners can’t stay with you. ⁵ No one who boasts can stand in your presence, Lord, and you hate evil people. ⁶ You destroy every liar, and you despise violence and deceit. ⁷ Because of your great mercy, I come to your house, Lord, and I am filled with wonder as I bow down to worship at your holy temple. ⁸ You do what is right, and I ask you to guide me. Make your teaching clear because of my enemies. ⁹ Nothing they say is true! They just want to destroy. Their words are deceitful like a hidden pit, and their tongues are good only for telling lies. ¹⁰ Punish them, God, and let their own plans bring their downfall. Get rid of them! They keep committing crimes and turning against you. ¹¹ Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those who truly love you and let them rejoice. ¹² Our Lord, you bless those who live right, and you shield them with your kindness.