​Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

¹Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
²From you let my vindication come;
let your eyes see the right.
³If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,
if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;
my mouth does not transgress.
⁴As for what others do, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
⁵My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
⁶I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me, hear my words.
⁷Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
⁸Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
⁹from the wicked who despoil me,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
¹⁵As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.