1 By David: ADONAI, I am calling to
you; my Rock, don't be deaf to my cry. For if you answer me with silence, I
will be like those who fall in a pit.
2 Hear the sound of my prayers when I
cry to you, when I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.
3 Don't drag me off with the wicked,
with those whose deeds are evil; they speak words of peace to their fellowmen,
but evil is in their hearts.
4 Pay them back for their deeds, as
befits their evil acts; repay them for what they have done, give them what
they deserve.
5 For they don't understand the deeds
of ADONAI or what he has done. He will break them down; he will not build them
up.
6 Blessed be ADONAI, for he heard my
voice as I prayed for mercy.
7 ADONAI is my strength and shield; in
him my heart trusted, and I have been helped. Therefore my heart is filled
with joy, and I will sing praises to him.
8 ADONAI is strength for [his people],
a stronghold of salvation to his anointed.
9 Save your people! Bless your
heritage! Shepherd them, and carry them forever!
