(A song for worship.)

A prayer for protection

1Since the time I was young,

enemies have often attacked!

Let everyone in Israel say:

2“Since the time I was young,

enemies have often attacked!

But they have not defeated me,

3though my back is like a field

that has just been ploughed.”

4The LORD always does right,

and he has set me free

from the ropes

of those cruel people.

5I pray that all who hate

the city of Zion

will be made ashamed

and forced to turn and run.

6May they be like grass

on the flat roof of a house,

grass that dries up

as soon as it sprouts.

7Don't let them be like wheat

gathered in bundles.

8And don't let anyone

who passes by say to them,

“The LORD bless you!

I give you my blessing

in the name of the LORD.”