1 I come to you, Lord,

for protection.

Don't let me be ashamed.

Do as you have promised

and rescue me.

2 Listen to my prayer

and hurry to save me.

Be my mighty rock*

and the fortress

where I am safe.

3 You, Lord God,

are my mighty rock

and my fortress.

Lead me and guide me,

so that your name

will be honored.

4 Protect me from hidden traps

and keep me safe.

5 * You are faithful,

and I trust you

because you rescued me.

6 I hate the worshipers

of worthless idols,

but I trust you, Lord.

7 I celebrate and shout

because you are kind.

You saw all my suffering,

and you cared for me.

8 You kept me from the hands

of my enemies,

and you set me free.

9 Have pity, Lord!

I am hurting and almost blind.

My whole body aches.

10 I have known only sorrow

all my life long, and I suffer

year after year.

I am weak from sin,

and my bones are limp.

11 My enemies insult me.

Neighbors are even worse,

and I disgust my friends.

People meet me on the street,

and they turn and run.

12 I am completely forgotten

like someone dead.

I am merely a broken dish.

13 I hear the crowds whisper,

"Everyone is afraid!"

They are plotting and scheming

to murder me.

14 But I trust you, Lord,

and I claim you as my God.

15 My life is in your hands.

Save me from enemies

who hunt me down.

16 Smile on me, your servant.

Have pity and rescue me.

17 I pray only to you.

Don't disappoint me.

Disappoint my cruel enemies

until they lie silent

in their graves.

18 Silence those proud liars!

Make them stop bragging

and insulting your people.

19 You are wonderful,

and while everyone watches,

you store up blessings for all

who honor and trust you.

20 You are their shelter

from harmful plots,

and you are their protection

from vicious gossip.

21 I will praise you, Lord,

for showing great kindness

when I was like a city

under attack.

22 I was terrified and thought,

"They've chased me

far away from you!"

But you answered my prayer

when I shouted for help.

23 * All who belong to the Lord,

show how you love him.

The Lord protects the faithful,

but he severely punishes

everyone who is proud.

24 All who trust the Lord,

be cheerful and strong.