Shield me from unrighteousness.

Here is a prayer in the form of a poem, asking for protection from unrighteousness—both from without and within.

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A Shield About Me

O Guardian of my soul, my heart, my way, The rising and the closing of my day, I ask not for a path devoid of test, But for a heart in Your own righteousness dressed.

Protect me from the unrighteousness that calls From shadowed streets and from enticing halls. The offered compromise,the whispered lie, The sin that glitters with a cunning eye.

But more than that, Abba, protect me from the foe That dwells within,that I too dearly know— The selfish thought,the pride that seeks a throne, The unrighteous seed in my own heart now sown.

Create in me a clean heart, God, renew A right spirit, steadfast and true. Where I am weak,be my prevailing strength, Go before me,and defend my length.

Lead me not into temptation's snare, But deliver me from every subtle care. Be my sure refuge and my fortress strong, The constant meter to each right and wrong.

Let no iniquity claim dominion here, Dispel my darkness,overcome my fear. Protect me with the armor of Your light, And guide my footsteps ever in what's right.

For righteousness and peace are Yours to give, In Your protection,rightly do I live. So be my shield,my sanctity, my all, Lest my own spirit stumble,faint, and fall.

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Key Scriptures Weaved Into the Poem:

· Psalm 51:10: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This is the core prayer for internal protection from the unrighteousness we harbor.

· Matthew 6:13 (The Lord's Prayer): "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." This is a direct plea for protection from the power and lure of unrighteousness.

· 2 Thessalonians 3:3: "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." This is a promise of God's protecting power against external unrighteousness.

· Psalm 18:2: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." This provides the imagery of God as a protector.

· 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." This assures us that the protection we pray for includes a provided "way out."