Psalm 25 (26)
Of David.

Judge me, O Lord, for I walk in my
Innocence,
And by hoping in the Lord, I shall not
Weaken.
Prove me, O Lord, and test me.
Try my reins and my heart in the fire.
For Your mercy is before my eyes,
And I was well-pleasing in Your truth.
I have not sat down with vain
Councils,
Nor will I go in with those who
Transgress the law.
I hate the assembly of evildoers,
And I will not sit with the ungodly.
I will wash my hands in innocence;
So I will go about Your altar, O Lord,
That I may hear the voice of praise
And tell of all Your wondrous works.
O Lord, I love the beauty of Your
House,
And the place where Your glory
Dwells.
Do not destroy my soul with the
Ungodly,
Nor my life with men of blood,
In whose hands is lawlessness;
Their right hand is full of bribes.
But as for me, I walk in my innocence;
Redeem me and have mercy on me.
For my foot stands in uprightness;
In the churches I will bless You,
O Lord.

Commentary

Psalm 25 is a priestly intercession of Jesus Christ to the Father at the heavenly altar on behalf of His churches. And since this Priest is innocent, He intercedes on behalf of His churches, so they, too, will be innocent through God’s merciful redemption, as they worship around His altar.
Verses 6-12 are prayed by an Orthodox priest as part of the vesting service as he washes his hands before serving the Divine Liturgy.

Comments

This psalm was hard for me to pray because I did not feel innocent, because I am not perfect. But through thinking about the commentary, I feel encouraged. Jesus is interceding for us, mercifully redeeming us. O Lord, have mercy. Try my heart and redeem the parts of me that need redemption. I can’t do it on my own, but through your mercy, you guide me and strengthen me. Thank you, God.