Read the following psalm and allow it to be your prayer to God today.

Psalm 26 (NIV)

Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me.

My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

Psalm 26 (NRSV)

Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.

I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord, singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.

O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides. Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty, those in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.

But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the Lord.

Creative Options for Reading Psalms

Draw a Prayer

The Psalms are filled with rich imagery. After reading Psalm 26, draw the images that come to mind. You don’t have to be an artist to find value in drawing the images and emotions behind the Psalms.

If you don’t enjoy drawing, you can write out Psalm 26 using different colored pens or pencils. Creatively writing out the psalm can help you connect with it in a new way.

Listen to a Song

Poor Bishop Hooper publishes a new song each week. Each song creatively presents the words of a psalm.

You can find their song based on Psalm 26 here.

Read with a Friend

Find a friend or family member and read the psalm together. Together, talk about what Psalm 26 means to you. Sometimes having another perspective can help you gain new insights.