Prayers and the word for today

Psalm 17:1-7

A prayer of David.

Lord, hear a just cause; pay attention to my cry; listen to my prayer— from lips free of deceit.  Let my vindication come from you, for you see what is right.  You have tested my heart; you have examined me at night.  You have tried me and found nothing evil; I have determined that my mouth will not sin.  Concerning what people do: by the words from your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.  My steps are on your paths; my feet have not slipped.

I call on you, God, because you will answer me; listen closely to me; hear what I say.  Display the wonders of your faithful love, Savior of all who seek refuge from those who rebel against your right hand.

Psalm 68:9

You, God, showered abundant rain; you revived your inheritance when it languished.

Hosea 2:7

She will pursue her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them.  Then she will think, “I will go back to my former husband, for then it was better for me than now.”

2 Samuel 5:7-9

Yet David did capture the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. He said that day, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must go through the water shaft to reach the lame and the blind who are despised by David.” For this reason it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the house.”

David took up residence in the stronghold, which he named the city of David. He built it up all the way around from the supporting terraces inward.