(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
A Prayer for Protection
1I come to you, Lord,
for protection.
Don't let me be ashamed.
Do as you have promised
and rescue me.
2Listen to my prayer
and hurry to save me.
Be my mighty rock
and the fortress
where I am safe.
3You, Lord God,
are my mighty rock
and my fortress.
Lead me and guide me,
so that your name
will be honored.
4Protect me from hidden traps
and keep me safe.
5 You are faithful,
and I trust you
because you rescued me.
6I hate the worshipers
of worthless idols,
but I trust you, Lord.
7I celebrate and shout
because you are kind.
You saw all my suffering,
and you cared for me.
8You kept me from the hands
of my enemies,
and you set me free.
9Have pity, Lord!
I am hurting and almost blind.
My whole body aches.
10I have known only sorrow
all my life long, and I suffer
year after year.
I am weak from sin,
and my bones are limp.
11My enemies insult me.
Neighbors are even worse,
and I disgust my friends.
People meet me on the street,
and they turn and run.
12I am completely forgotten
like someone dead.
I am merely a broken dish.
13I hear the crowds whisper,
“Everyone is afraid!”
They are plotting and scheming
to murder me.
14But I trust you, Lord,
and I claim you as my God.
15My life is in your hands.
Save me from enemies
who hunt me down.
16Smile on me, your servant.
Have pity and rescue me.
17I pray only to you.
Don't disappoint me.
Disappoint my cruel enemies
until they lie silent
in their graves.
18Silence those proud liars!
Make them stop bragging
and insulting your people.
19You are wonderful,
and while everyone watches,
you store up blessings for all
who honor and trust you.
20You are their shelter
from harmful plots,
and you are their protection
from vicious gossip.
21I will praise you, Lord,
for showing great kindness
when I was like a city
under attack.
22I was terrified and thought,
“They've chased me
far away from you!”
But you answered my prayer
when I shouted for help.
23 All who belong to the Lord,
show how you love him.
The Lord protects the faithful,
but he severely punishes
everyone who is proud.
24All who trust the Lord,
be cheerful and strong.