Lord, in the Morning

Lord, in the Morning

Text written in 1719 by Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

Sung to MEAR, composed by Aaron Williams (1731-1776)

Psalm 5:1-12 

Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.

Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.

The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong;

you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.

But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down

toward your holy temple.

Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me.

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice.

Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.

Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

V. 1 Lord, in the morning Thou shalt hear 

My voice ascending high;

To Thee will I direct my prayer,

To Thee lift up mine eye--

V. 2 Up to the hills where Christ is gone

To plead for all His saints,

Presenting at His Father's throne

Our songs and our complaints.

V. 3 O may Thy Spirit guide my feet

In ways of righteousness;

Make every path of duty straight

And plain before my face.

V. 4 The men that love and fear Thy name

Shall see their hopes fulfilled;

The mighty God will compass them

With favor as a shield.