A Prayer for Help, and Praise for Its Answer.

A Psalm of David.

1To you I call, O LORD,

My rock, do not be deaf to me,

For if You are silent to me,

I will become like those who go down to the pit (grave).

2Hear the voice of my supplication (specific requests, humble entreaties) as I cry to You for help,

As I lift up my hands and heart toward Your innermost sanctuary (Holy of Holies).

3Do not drag me away with the wicked

And with those who do evil,

Who speak peace with their neighbors,

While malice and mischief are in their hearts.

4Repay them according to their work and according to the evil of their practices;

Repay them according to the deeds of their hands;

Repay them what they deserve.

5Because they have no regard for the works of the LORD

Nor the deeds of His hands,

He will tear them down and not rebuild them.

6Blessed be the LORD,

Because He has heard the voice of my supplication.

7The LORD is my strength and my [impenetrable] shield;

My heart trusts [with unwavering confidence] in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,

And with my song I shall thank Him and praise Him.

8The LORD is their [unyielding] strength,

And He is the fortress of salvation to His anointed.

9Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;

Be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.