(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 rock31.2 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.

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 honoured.

4Protect me from hidden traps

and keep me safe.

5You are faithful,31.5: Lk 23.46.

and I trust you

because you rescued me.

6I hate the worshippers

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 suffering 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.

Neighbours are even worse,

and I disgust my friends.

People meet me in 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 boasting

and insulting your people.

19You are wonderful,

and while everyone watches,

you store up blessings for all

who honour 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.

23All 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.