Prayer for Protection, Guidance and Pardon.

A Psalm of David.

1To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.

2O my God, in You I [have unwavering] trust [and I rely on You with steadfast confidence],

Do not let me be ashamed or my hope in You be disappointed;

Do not let my enemies triumph over me.

3Indeed, none of those who [expectantly] wait for You will be ashamed;

Those who turn away from what is right and deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed (humiliated, embarrassed).

4Let me know Your ways, O LORD;

Teach me Your paths.

5Guide me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;

For You [and only You] I wait [expectantly] all the day long.

6Remember, O LORD, Your [tender] compassion and Your lovingkindnesses,

For they have been from of old.

7Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

According to Your lovingkindness remember me,

For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.

8Good and upright is the LORD;

Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.

9He leads the humble in justice,

And He teaches the humble His way.

10All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness

To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

11For Your name’s sake, O LORD,

Pardon my wickedness and my guilt, for they are great.

12Who is the man who fears the LORD [with awe-inspired reverence and worships Him with submissive wonder]?

He will teach him [through His word] in the way he should choose.

13His soul will dwell in prosperity and goodness,

And his descendants will inherit the land.

14The secret [of the wise counsel] of the LORD is for those who fear Him,

And He will let them know His covenant and reveal to them [through His word] its [deep, inner] meaning.

15My eyes are continually toward the LORD,

For He will bring my feet out of the net.

16Turn to me [LORD] and be gracious to me,

For I am alone and afflicted.

17The troubles of my heart are multiplied;

Bring me out of my distresses.

18Look upon my affliction and my trouble,

And forgive all my sins.

19Look upon my enemies, for they are many;

They hate me with cruel and violent hatred.

20Guard my soul and rescue me;

Do not let me be ashamed or disappointed,

For I have taken refuge in You.

21Let integrity and uprightness protect me,

For I wait [expectantly] for You.

22O God, redeem Israel,

Out of all his troubles.