When I to Thee my prayer make

Verse 1

When I to thee my prayèr make, Lord, to my voice give ear; My life save from the enemy, of whom I stand in fear.

Verse 2

Me from their secret counsel hide who do live wickedly; From insurrection of those men that work iniquity:

Verse 3

Who do their tongues with malice whet, and make them cut like swords; In whose bent bows are arrows set, ev'n sharp and bitter words:

Verse 4

That they may at the perfect man in secret aim their shot; Yea, suddenly they dare at him to shoot, and fear it not.

Verse 5

In ill encourage they themselves, and their snares close do lay: Together conference they have; Who shall them see? they say.

Verse 6

They have searched out iniquities, a perfect search they keep: Of each of them the inward thought, and very heart, is deep.

Verse 7

God shall an arrow shoot at them, and wound them suddenly:

Verse 8

So their own tongue shall them confound; all who them see shall fly.

Verse 9

And on all men a fear shall fall, God's works they shall declare; For they shall wisely notice take what these his doings are.

Verse 10

In God the righteous shall rejoice, and trust upon his might; Yea, they shall greatly glory all in heart that are upright.