Chapter 27: A Psalm of Deliverance from Evil

A Psalm of Deliverance from Evil

To the Lector: A Psalm of Blake, beseeching God for deliverance from the evils surrounding him and affirming his love for God's law.

 

O Lord, encompassed by evil's dark tide,

It surrounds me, in its shadow, I abide.

I look upon it with disdain and disgust,

In You, my God, I place my trust.

 

The sins of the world, they crowd and press,

Drunkenness, lust, profanities, and pride, they oppress.

My friends, dear to my heart, have strayed,

In darkness, their joy and peace fade.

 

Evil's allure, a fleeting, deceitful charm,

But it brings only harm, cause for alarm.

I've tried, O Lord, to show them Your way,

But in sin's grasp, they choose to stay.

 

Your law, O Lord, is my heart's delight,

In its truth, I find my path bright.

I've danced near sin's enticing fire,

Forgive me, Lord, for my misplaced desire.

 

But You, O Lord, have kept me from the flame,

From sin's burn, I am free, in Your name.

Keep me, O God, from sin's deceitful pull,

You are mighty, against sin's tide You are full.

 

Let me be a beacon of Your light and truth,

In my actions and words, show Your proof.

If friends' sins grow too vast, keep them away,

Lead them to Your path, in Your grace, I pray.

I hate sin, and love Your commands,

In them, I find strength, by them, I stand.

Your law brings joy, comfort to my soul,

In Your commandments, I am whole.

 

I'll follow You, Lord, all my days,

Not yielding to sin, in Your ways.

Awaiting the day when You'll end sin's night,

In Your eternal flame, set all to right.

 

Blessed be the Lord, my God, so true,

Who conquers sin, makes all things new.

In Your steadfast love, I find my place,

Saved from sin, by Your grace. Amen.