Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/595

 Their ways are devious at all times; your judgments are far above out of their sight; * they defy all their enemies.

They say in their heart, “I shall not be shaken; * no harm shall happen to me ever.”

Their mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression; * under their tongue are mischief and wrong.

They lurk in ambush in public squares and in secret places they murder the innocent; * they spy out the helpless.

They lie in wait, like a lion in a covert; they lie in wait to seize upon the lowly; * they seize the lowly and drag them away in their net.

The innocent are broken and humbled before them; * the helpless fall before their power.

They say in their heart, “God has forgotten; * he hides his face; he will never notice.”

Rise up, O ; lift up your hand, O God; * do not forget the afflicted.

Why should the wicked revile God? * why should they say in their heart, “You do not care”?

Surely, you behold trouble and misery; * you see it and take it into your own hand.

The helpless commit themselves to you, * for you are the helper of orphans.

Break the power of the wicked and evil; * search out their wickedness until you find none.