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(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

A Prayer for Protection

I come to you, Lord,
for protection.
    Don't let me be ashamed.
Do as you have promised
    and rescue me.
Listen to my prayer
    and hurry to save me.
Be my mighty rock[a]
and the fortress
    where I am safe.

You, Lord God,
are my mighty rock
    and my fortress.
Lead me and guide me,
so that your name
    will be honored.
Protect me from hidden traps
    and keep me safe.
(A) You are faithful,
and I trust you
    because you rescued me.

I hate the worshipers
of worthless idols,
    but I trust you, Lord.
I celebrate and shout
    because you are kind.
You saw all my suffering,
    and you cared for me.
You kept me from the hands
of my enemies,
    and you set me free.

Have pity, Lord!
I am hurting and almost blind.
    My whole body aches.
10 I have known only sorrow
all my life long, and I suffer
    year after year.
I am weak from sin,
    and my bones are limp.

11 My enemies insult me.
Neighbors are even worse,
    and I disgust my friends.
People meet me on the street,
    and they turn and run.
12 I am completely forgotten
like someone dead.
    I am merely a broken dish.
13 I hear the crowds whisper,
    “Everyone is afraid!”
They are plotting and scheming
    to murder me.

14 But I trust you, Lord,
    and I claim you as my God.
15 My life is in your hands.
Save me from enemies
    who hunt me down.
16 Smile on me, your servant.
    Have pity and rescue me.

17 I pray only to you.
    Don't disappoint me.
Disappoint my cruel enemies
until they lie silent
    in their graves.
18 Silence those proud liars!
Make them stop bragging
    and insulting your people.

19 You are wonderful,
    and while everyone watches,
you store up blessings for all
    who honor and trust you.
20 You are their shelter
    from harmful plots,
and you are their protection
    from vicious gossip.

21 I will praise you, Lord,
    for showing great kindness
when I was like a city
    under attack.
22 I was terrified and thought,
“They've chased me
    far away from you!”
But you answered my prayer
    when I shouted for help.

23 (B) All who belong to the Lord,
    show how you love him.
The Lord protects the faithful,
but he severely punishes
    everyone who is proud.
24 All who trust the Lord,
    be cheerful and strong.

Footnotes

  1. 31.2 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.

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