A Prayer of Praise+

1The Lord is my light and my salvation;

I will fear no one.

The Lord protects me from all danger;

I will never be afraid.

2When evil people attack me and try to kill me,

they stumble and fall.

3Even if a whole army surrounds me,

I will not be afraid;

even if enemies attack me,

I will still trust God.+

4I have asked the Lord for one thing;

one thing only do I want:

to live in the Lord's house all my life,

to marvel there at his goodness,

and to ask for his guidance.

5In times of trouble he will shelter me;

he will keep me safe in his Temple

and make me secure on a high rock.

6So I will triumph over my enemies around me.

With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple;

I will sing, I will praise the Lord.

7Hear me, Lord, when I call to you!

Be merciful and answer me!

8When you said, “Come worship me,”

I answered, “I will come, Lord.”

9Don't hide yourself from me!

Don't be angry with me;

don't turn your servant away.

You have been my help;

don't leave me, don't abandon me,

O God, my savior.

10My father and mother may abandon me,

but the Lord will take care of me.

11Teach me, Lord, what you want me to do,

and lead me along a safe path,

because I have many enemies.

12Don't abandon me to my enemies,

who attack me with lies and threats.

13I know that I will live to see

the Lord's goodness in this present life.

14Trust in the Lord.

Have faith, do not despair.

Trust in the Lord.