[1] I love the LORD because he hears my voice, my pleas for mercy. [2] I will call on him as long as I live because he turns his ear toward me. [3] The ropes of death became tangled around me. The horrors of the grave took hold of me. I experienced pain and agony. [4] But I kept calling on the name of the LORD: "Please, LORD, rescue me!" [5] The LORD is merciful and righteous. Our God is compassionate. [6] The LORD protects defenseless people. When I was weak, he saved me. [7] Be at peace again, my soul, because the LORD has been good to you. [8] You saved me from death. You saved my eyes from tears and my feet from stumbling. [9] I will walk in the LORD's presence in this world of the living. [10] I kept my faith even when I said, "I am suffering terribly." [11] I also said when I was panic-stricken, "Everyone is undependable." [12] How can I repay the LORD for all the good that he has done for me? [13] I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. [14] I will keep my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. [15] Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones. [16] O LORD, I am indeed your servant. I am your servant, the son of your female servant. You have freed me from my chains. [17] I will bring a song of thanksgiving to you as a sacrifice. I will call on the name of the LORD. [18] I will keep my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, [19] in the courtyards of the LORD's house, in the middle of Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
