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(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use flutes.)

A Prayer for Help

Listen, Lord, as I pray!
    Pay attention when I groan.[a]
You are my King and my God.
Answer my cry for help
    because I pray to you.
Each morning you listen
    to my prayer,
as I bring my requests[b] to you
    and wait for your reply.

You are not the kind of God
who is pleased with evil.
    Sinners can't stay with you.
No one who boasts can stand
in your presence, Lord,
    and you hate evil people.
You destroy every liar,
and you despise violence
    and deceit.

Because of your great mercy,
    I come to your house, Lord,
and I am filled with wonder
as I bow down to worship
    at your holy temple.
You do what is right,
    and I ask you to guide me.
Make your teaching clear
    because of my enemies.

(A) Nothing they say is true!
    They just want to destroy.
Their words are deceitful
    like a hidden pit,
and their tongues are good
    only for telling lies.
10 Punish them, God,
and let their own plans
    bring their downfall.
Get rid of them!
They keep committing crimes
    and turning against you.

11 Let all who run to you
for protection
    always sing joyful songs.
Provide shelter for those
who truly love you
    and let them rejoice.
12 Our Lord, you bless those
    who live right,
and you shield them
    with your kindness.

Footnotes

  1. 5.1 when I groan: Or “to my thoughts” or “to my words.”
  2. 5.3 requests: Or “sacrifices.”

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