Psalm 26

This is a prayer from a man who expect the God of justice to act, sweeping away sinners.  Instead of asking God to prevent him from ever experiencing difficulty, David asks God to prove, try and test him (2).  He wants the LORD to hold him accountable to the same standard that he uses to judge the unrighteous.  How can he ask for that?  He also asks God to redeem him and to be gracious (11).  After grace has done its work, creating lives of innocence and devotion, the believer need not fear God’s holiness.

LORD, do your work in us, and we will never fear your judgment upon us.