[1] I love the LORD for hearing me, for listening to my prayers. [2] Yes, he paid attention to me, so I will always call to him whenever I need help. [3] Death's ropes were around me. The grave was closing in on me. I was worried and afraid. [4] Then I called on the LORD's name. I said, " LORD, save me!" [5] The LORD is good and merciful; our God is so kind. [6] The LORD takes care of helpless people. I was without help, and he saved me. [7] My soul, relax! The LORD is caring for you. [8] Lord, you saved my soul from death. You stopped my tears. You kept me from falling. [9] I will continue to serve the LORD in the land of the living. [10] I continued believing even when I said, "I am completely ruined!" [11] Yes, even when I was upset and said, "There is no one I can trust!" [12] What can I give the LORD for all that he has done for me? [13] He saved me, so I will give him a drink offering, and I will call on the LORD's name. [14] I will give the LORD what I promised. I will go in front of all his people now. [15] Very dear to the LORD are the lives of his followers. He cares when they face death. [16] LORD, I am your servant! Yes, I am your slave, as my mother was. You set me free from the chains of death. [17] I will give you a thank offering. I will call on the LORD's name. [18] I will stand before the gathering of his people and give the LORD what I promised. [19] I will do this in Jerusalem, in the courtyards of the LORD's Temple. Praise the LORD!
