1 I love the Lord because he has heard

my appeal for mercy.  *

2 Because he has turned his ear to me,

I will call out to him as long as I live.  *

3 The ropes of death were wrapped around me,

and the torments of Sheol overcame me;

I encountered trouble and sorrow.  *

4 Then I called on the name of the  Lord:

"Lord, save me! "  *

5 The Lord is gracious and righteous;

our God is compassionate.  *

6 The Lord guards the inexperienced;

I was helpless, and he saved me.  *

7 Return to your rest, my soul,

for the Lord has been good to you.  *

8 For you, Lord, rescued me from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling.  *

9 I will walk before the  Lord

in the land of the living.  *

10 I believed, even when I said,

"I am severely oppressed."  *

11 In my alarm I said,

"Everyone is a liar."  *

12 How can I repay the  Lord

for all the good he has done for me?  *

13 I will take the cup of salvation

and call on the name of the  Lord.  *

14 I will fulfill my vows to the  Lord

in the presence of all his people.  *

15 The death of his faithful ones

is valuable in the  Lord’s sight.  *

16 Lord, I am indeed your servant;

I am your servant, the son of your female servant.

You have loosened my bonds.  *

17 I will offer you a thanksgiving sacrifice

and call on the name of the  Lord.  *

18 I will fulfill my vows to the  Lord

in the presence of all his people,  *

19 in the courts of the  Lord’s house —

within you, Jerusalem.  *

Hallelujah!