(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

A prayer for help

1I patiently waited, LORD,

for you to hear my prayer.

You listened 2and pulled me

from a lonely pit

full of mud and mire.

You let me stand on a rock

with my feet firm,

3and you gave me a new song,

a song of praise to you.

Many will see this,

and they will honour and trust

you, the LORD God.

4You bless all of those

who trust you, LORD,

and refuse to worship idols

or follow false gods.

5You, LORD God, have done

many wonderful things,

and you have planned

marvellous things for us.

No one is like you!

I would never be able to tell

all you have done.

6Sacrifices and offerings40.6-8: He 10.5-7.

are not what please you;

gifts and payment for sin

are not what you demand.

But you made me willing

to listen and obey.

7And so, I said, “I am here

to do what is written

about me in the book,

where it says,

8‘I enjoy pleasing you.

Your Law is in my heart.’ ”

9When your people worshipped,

you know I told them,

“Our LORD always helps!”

10When all your people met,

I did not keep silent.

I said, “Our LORD is kind.

He is faithful and caring,

and he saves us.”

11You, LORD, never fail

to have pity on me;

your love and faithfulness

always keep me secure.

12I have more troubles

than I can count.

My sins are all around me,

and I can't find my way.

My sins outnumber

the hairs on my head,

and I feel weak.

13Please show that you care

and come to my rescue.

Hurry and help me!

14Disappoint and confuse

all who want me dead;

turn away and disgrace

all who want to hurt me.

15Embarrass and shame

all those who say,

“Just look at you now!”

16Our LORD, let your worshippers

rejoice and be glad.

They love you for saving them,

so let them always say,

“The LORD is wonderful!”

17I am poor and needy,

but, LORD God,

you care about me,

and you come to my rescue.

Please hurry and help.