O Lord, please hear this upright plea,
Attend as I cry earnestly.
Come down and hear the honest prayer
My heart contrived and lips declare.
It’s You who takes my guilt away.
It’s You who sees the upright ways.
You probe my heart and rightly test
Me nightly, even as I rest.
You seek and find I hide no sin.
My mouth is pure and clean within.
The works of men – yes, they are vile,
And thus will I stay undefiled
And keep myself from wicked ways,
Attending to the words You say.
My feet slip not; they are steadfast
For I remain upon Your paths.
Before the mighty God I’ve cried!
I’m confident in His reply!
Please notice me, incline Your ear
To prayers I give that You will hear.
Your wondrous love, O God, is kind,
Displayed to me and does remind
That You, with Your right hand, will save
The prisoner, homeless, and the slave.
I am the apple of Your eye.
Protect me with Your wings in flight
When I’m enwreathed by wicked foes
Who wish me harm and wish me woe.
With grins they live with heartless hearts.
Oh, close their mouths when boasting starts.
They trail me, track me, hunt me down;
They want to cast me to the ground,
Like lions seeking for their prey,
Attacking from a secret place.
Arise my Lord, be my defense!
Draw Your sword, be the recompense!
This mortal life is the reward
For those who eat the evil stored
Within their homes, where children gorge
Upon that filthy, fruitless hoard.
For me, I walk in righteous ways,
And all will be fulfilled one day
With whom I’ll see when I awake –
My eyes shall see Your holy face!
Jared Travis 