Psalm 23-25

Contemporary English Version

You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
⁴ I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod^[a]
    makes me feel safe.

⁵ You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
⁶ Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live forever
    in your house, Lord.

³ Who may climb the Lord's hill^[b]
    or stand in his holy temple?
^4 (C) Only those who do right
    for the right reasons,
and don't worship idols
    or tell lies under oath.
⁵ The Lord God, who saves them,
    will bless and reward them,
⁶ because they worship and serve
    the God of Jacob.^[c]
7 Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
    may come in.

⁸ Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord, a strong
    and mighty warrior.

⁹ Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
    may come in.

¹⁰ Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord,
    the All-Powerful!

⁶ Please, Lord, remember,
you have always
    been patient and kind.
⁷ Forget each wrong I did
    when I was young.
Show how truly kind you are
    and remember me.
⁸ You are honest and merciful,
and you teach sinners
    how to follow your path.

⁹ You lead humble people
to do what is right
    and to stay on your path.
¹⁰ In everything you do,
    you are kind and faithful
to everyone who keeps
    our agreement with you.

¹¹ Be true to your name, Lord,
by forgiving each one
    of my terrible sins.
¹² You will show the right path
    to all who worship you.
¹³ Then they will have plenty,
and their children
    will receive the land.

¹⁴ Our Lord, you are the friend
    of your worshipers,
and you make an agreement
    with all of us.
¹⁵ I always look to you,
because you rescue me
    from every trap.
¹⁶ I am lonely and troubled.
Show that you care
    and have pity on me.
¹⁷ My awful worries keep growing.
    Rescue me from sadness.
¹⁸ See my troubles and misery
    and forgive my sins.

¹⁹ Look at all my enemies!
    See how much they hate me.
²⁰ I come to you for shelter.
Protect me, keep me safe,
    and don't disappoint me.
²¹ I obey you with all my heart,
and I trust you, knowing
    that you will save me.

²² Our God, please save Israel
    from all its troubles.