1 I come to you, Lord,for protection.Don't let me be ashamed.Do as you have promisedand rescue me.
2 Listen to my prayerand hurry to save me.Be my mighty rockand the fortresswhere I am safe.
3 You, Lord God,are my mighty rockand my fortress.Lead me and guide me,so that your namewill be honoured.
4 Protect me from hidden trapsand keep me safe.
5 You are faithful,and I trust youbecause you rescued me.
6 I hate the worshippersof worthless idols,but I trust you, Lord.
7 I celebrate and shoutbecause you are kind.You saw all my suffering,and you cared for me.
8 You kept me from the handsof my enemies,and you set me free.
9 Have pity, Lord!I am suffering and almost blind.My whole body aches.
10 I have known only sorrowall my life long, and I sufferyear after year.I am weak from sin,and my bones are limp.
11 My enemies insult me.Neighbours are even worse,and I disgust my friends.People meet me in the street,and they turn and run.
12 I am completely forgottenlike someone dead.I am merely a broken dish.
13 I hear the crowds whisper,“Everyone is afraid!”They are plotting and schemingto 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 enemieswho 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 enemiesuntil they lie silentin their graves.
18 Silence those proud liars!Make them stop boastingand insulting your people.
19 You are wonderful,and while everyone watches,you store up blessings for allwho honour and trust you.
20 You are their shelterfrom harmful plots,and you are their protectionfrom vicious gossip.
21 I will praise you, Lord,for showing great kindnesswhen I was like a cityunder attack.
22 I was terrified and thought,“They've chased mefar away from you!”But you answered my prayerwhen I shouted for help.
23 All who belong to the Lord,show how you love him.The Lord protects the faithful,but he severely punisheseveryone who is proud.
24 All who trust the Lord,be cheerful and strong.