[1] I cry out to you, LORD. You are my rock; don’t refuse to hear me. If you won’t talk to me, I’ll be just like those going down to the pit. [2] Listen to my request for mercy when I cry out to you, when I lift up my hands to your holy inner sanctuary. [3] Don’t drag me off with the wicked and those who do evil; the type who talk nice to their friends while evil thoughts are in their hearts! [4] Pay them back for what they’ve done! Pay them back for their evil deeds! Pay them back for their handiwork! Give back to them exactly what they deserve! [5] Because they have no regard for what the LORD has done, no regard for his handiwork, God will tear them down and never rebuild! [6] Bless the LORD because he has listened to my request for mercy! [7] The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts him. I was helped, my heart rejoiced, and I thank him with my song. [8] The LORD is his people’s strength; he is a fortress of protection for his anointed one. [9] Save your people, God! Bless your possession! Shepherd them and carry them for all time!
