Psalm 26:1-8 (NIV)

Of David.

1 Vindicate me, Lord,

  for I have led a blameless life;

I have trusted in the Lord

  and have not faltered.

2 Test me, Lord, and try me,

  examine my heart and my mind;

3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love

  and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

4 I do not sit with the deceitful,

  nor do I associate with hypocrites.

5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers

  and refuse to sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence,

  and go about your altar, Lord,

7 proclaiming aloud your praise

  and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

8 Lord, I love the house where you live,

  the place where your glory dwells.

9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,

my life with those who are bloodthirsty,

10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,

whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 I lead a blameless life;

deliver me and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground;

in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

1. Awe of God’s Judgment

Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life…

2. Awe of God’s Presence

Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.

3. Awe of God’s Church

...in the great congregation I will praise the Lord

4. Awe of God’s Mercy

I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord… deliver me and be merciful to me…

"Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence."

-Augustine of Hippo