Chapter 140

The Church prayeth that her children may avoid sinful words, ℣.4 not make excuses of sins committed, not communicate with others in sin, nor to hearken to flatterers: ℣.6 but to pray that they may amend (the Psalmist by the way prophesieth that many shall be converted.) ℣.8 Though sometimes persecution be great, the Church faileth not.

1. 1

   A Psalm of David. Lord I have cried to thee, hear me: attend to my voice when I shall cry to thee.

2. 2

   Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the elevation of my hands as evening sacrifice.

3. 3

   Set o Lord a watch to my mouth: and a door round about to my lips.

4. 4

   Decline not my heart into words of malice, to make excuses in sins. With men that work iniquity: and I will not communicate with the chief of them.

5. 5

   The just shall rebuke me in mercy, and shall reprehend me: but let not the oil of a sinner fat my head. Because yet also my prayer is in their good pleasures:

6. 6

   their judges are swallowed up joined to the rock. They shall hear my words because they have prevailed:

7. 7

   as the grossness of the earth is broken out upon the earth. Our bones are dissipated near to hell:

8. 8

   for to thee, o Lord, Lord are mine eyes; in thee have I hoped, take not away my soul.

9. 9

   Keep me from the snare, which they have set for me: and from the scandals of them that work iniquity.

10. 10

    Sinners shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass.