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(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

A Prayer for Victory

I pray that the Lord
will listen when you
    are in trouble,
and that the God of Jacob
    will keep you safe.
May the Lord send help
    from his temple
and come to your rescue
    from Mount Zion.
May he remember your gifts
and be pleased
    with what you bring.

May God do what you want most
    and let all go well for you.
Then you will win victories,
    and we will celebrate,
while raising our banners
    in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer
    all your prayers!

I am certain, Lord,
that you will help
    your chosen king.
You will answer my prayers
from your holy place
    in heaven,
and you will save me
    with your mighty arm.

Some people trust the power
of chariots or horses,
    but we trust you, Lord God.
Others will stumble and fall,
but we will be strong
    and stand firm.

Give the king victory, Lord,
    and answer our prayers.[a]

Footnotes

  1. 20.9 victory … prayers: Or “victory. He (God or the king) answers us.”

Psalm 20[a]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;(A)
    may the name of the God of Jacob(B) protect you.(C)
May he send you help(D) from the sanctuary(E)
    and grant you support(F) from Zion.(G)
May he remember(H) all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.[b](I)
May he give you the desire of your heart(J)
    and make all your plans succeed.(K)
May we shout for joy(L) over your victory
    and lift up our banners(M) in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.(N)

Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.(O)
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.(P)
Some trust in chariots(Q) and some in horses,(R)
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.(S)
They are brought to their knees and fall,(T)
    but we rise up(U) and stand firm.(V)
Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us(W) when we call!

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 20:1 In Hebrew texts 20:1-9 is numbered 20:2-10.
  2. Psalm 20:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.