[1] To you, O Lord, I pray. [2] Don't fail me, Lord, for I am trusting you. Don't let my enemies succeed. Don't give them victory over me. [3] None of those who have faith in God will ever be disgraced for trusting him. But all who harm the innocent shall be defeated. [4] Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. [5] Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you. [6] Overlook my youthful sins, O Lord! Look at me instead through eyes of mercy and forgiveness, through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. [8] The Lord is good and glad to teach the proper path to all who go astray; [9] he will teach the ways that are right and best to those who humbly turn to him. [10] And when we obey him, every path he guides us on is fragrant with his loving-kindness and his truth. [11] But Lord, my sins! How many they are. Oh, pardon them for the honor of your name. [12] Where is the man who fears the Lord? God will teach him how to choose the best. [13] He shall live within God's circle of blessing, and his children shall inherit the earth. [14] Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises. [15] My eyes are ever looking to the Lord for help, for he alone can rescue me. [16] Come, Lord, and show me your mercy, for I am helpless, overwhelmed, in deep distress; [17] my problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! [18] See my sorrows; feel my pain; forgive my sins. [19] See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me! [20] Save me from them! Deliver my life from their power! Oh, let it never be said that I trusted you in vain! [21] Assign me Godliness and Integrity as my bodyguards, for I expect you to protect me [22] and to ransom Israel from all her troubles.
