1 O Lord, I call to you.

O my rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me.

If you remain silent,

I will be like those who go into the pit.

2 Hear my prayer for mercy when I call to you for help,

when I lift my hands toward your most holy place.

3 Do not drag me away with wicked people,

with troublemakers who speak of peace with their neighbors

but have evil in their hearts.

4 Pay them back for what they have done,

for their evil deeds.

Pay them back for what their hands have done,

and give them what they deserve.

5 The Lord will tear them down and never build them up again,

because they never consider what he has done

or what his hands have made.

6 Thank the Lord!

He has heard my prayer for mercy!

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield.

My heart trusted him, so I received help.

My heart is triumphant; I give thanks to him with my song.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people

and a fortress for the victory of his Messiah.* Or “anointed one.”

9 Save your people, and bless those who belong to you.

Be their shepherd, and carry them forever.