You search and know, O Lord, my God;
You know when I sit down.
Though I rise up or go abroad
You see me even now.

*

My thoughts you know from far away;
My paths you have searched out.
You are acquainted with my ways;
You see and never doubt.

*

You hem me in, both front and back,
And lay your hand on me.
Such knowledge I do sadly lack,
So high I cannot see.

*

Where can I go where you are not?
Your Spirit finds me there.
In heaven or where garbage rots
I ne’er escape your stare.

*

If wings of morning I should take
And fly beyond the sea,
Your hold on me shall never break,
Your right hand ever leads.

*

If I should tremble in the dark
Or fear for lack of light,
The Spirit who is in my heart
Dispels the gloom of night.

*

In mother’s womb my inward parts
The Lord has wondrous made.
On you, O Lord, who formed my heart
My worship all is laid.

*

How precious, God, are all your thoughts;
To me their sum is vast!
I count them up, but all for naught;
I never find the last.

*

Depart from me, O men of blood
Who speak against my King.
He slays those who live wickedly,
My foes in everything.

*

Search me, my God, and know my heart!
O probe and try my mind.
If you should see some grievous part,
Your way make me to find.

(From Psalm 139:1-14, 17-20, 23-24)

The Tidewater Papers

On Psalm 139