A Prayer for Help, and Praise for Its Answer.

A Psalm of David.

1To You, LORD, I call;

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.

2Hear the sound of my pleadings when I cry to You for help,

When I raise my hands toward [a]Your holy sanctuary.

3Do not drag me away with the wicked

And with those who practice injustice,

Who speak peace with their neighbors,

While evil is in their hearts.

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

Give back to them according to the work of their hands;

Repay them what is due them.

5Because they do not regard the works of the LORD

Nor the deeds of His hands,

He will tear them down and not build them up.

6Blessed be the LORD,

Because He has heard the sound of my pleading.

7The LORD is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart triumphs,

And with my song I shall thank Him.

8The LORD is [b]their strength,

And He is a refuge of salvation to His anointed.

9Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;

Be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.