Psalm 25 (26)

I remember reading somewhere (I cannot remember where) that this was a favourite of the early Christians, and it certainly sounds like the testament of some of those bold souls who became martyrs in the early centuries. There is some beautiful language in this, so please do mark this psalm in your bibles as one that should possibly be used regularly and even memorised. For centuries until the 1970s, the last part of the psalm, beginning with With the pure in heart I will wash, was recited by the priest at Mass as he washed his hands during the offertory. In the old language, I will wash is given as Lavabo, so this party of the Mass was called the lavabo, when the altar servers went up with the water and bowl. Anyway, here it is:

Lord, be Thou my judge; 

have I not guided my steps clear of wrong? 

Have I trusted in the Lord, only to stumble on my path?

Test me, Lord, put me to the proof; 

assay my inmost desires and thoughts.

Ever I keep Thy mercies in mind, 

ever Thy faithfulness bears me company.

I have not consorted with false men, or joined in plotting evil;

I have shunned the company of the wicked, 

never sat at my ease with sinners. 

With the pure in heart I will wash my hands clean, 

and take my place among them at Thy altar,

there making thy praises known, 

telling the story of all Thy wonderful deeds.

How well, Lord, I love the house where Thou dwellest, 

the shrine of Thy glory!

Lord, never count this soul for lost with the wicked, 

this life among the blood-thirsty;

hands ever stained with guilt, 

palms ever itching for a bribe!

Be it mine to guide my steps clear of wrong; 

deliver me in Thy mercy.

On sure ground my feet are set; 

where His people gather I will join in blessing the Lord’s name.