Contemporary English Version (A psalm by David for the music leader.)A Prayer for Protection1I come to you, Lord, for protection. Don't let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me. 2Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock+ and the fortress where I am safe. 3You, Lord God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored. 4Protect me from hidden traps and keep me safe. and I trust you because you rescued me. 6I hate the worshipers of worthless idols, but I trust you, Lord. 7I celebrate and shout because you are kind. You saw all my suffering, and you cared for me. 8You kept me from the hands of my enemies, and you set me free. 9Have pity, Lord! I am hurting and almost blind. My whole body aches. 10I have known only sorrow all my life long, and I suffer year after year. I am weak from sin, and my bones are limp. 11My enemies insult me. Neighbors are even worse, and I disgust my friends. People meet me on the street, and they turn and run. 12I am completely forgotten like someone dead. I am merely a broken dish. 13I hear the crowds whisper, “Everyone is afraid!” They are plotting and scheming to murder me. 14But I trust you, Lord, and I claim you as my God. 15My life is in your hands. Save me from enemies who hunt me down. 16Smile on me, your servant. Have pity and rescue me. 17I pray only to you. Don't disappoint me. Disappoint my cruel enemies until they lie silent in their graves. 18Silence those proud liars! Make them stop bragging and insulting your people. 19You are wonderful, and while everyone watches, you store up blessings for all who honor and trust you. 20You are their shelter from harmful plots, and you are their protection from vicious gossip. 21I will praise you, Lord, for showing great kindness when I was like a city under attack. 22I was terrified and thought, “They've chased me far away from you!” But you answered my prayer when I shouted for help. 23 All who belong to the Lord, show how you love him. The Lord protects the faithful, but he severely punishes everyone who is proud. 24All who trust the Lord, be cheerful and strong. Footnotes: Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Bible text from the Contemporary English Version 2nd Edition (CEV®) is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155 (www.americanbible.org). Learn more at www.cev.bible. Discover .BIBLE resources for your ministry at www.get.bible/cev Bible Hub |