^169O let my earnest pray'r and cry

come near before thee, Lord:

Give understanding unto me,

according to thy word.

^170Let my request before thee come:

after thy word me free.

^171My lips shall utter praise, when thou

hast taught thy laws to me.

^172My tongue of thy most blessed word

shall speak, and it confess;

Because all thy commandements

are perfect righteousness.

^173Let thy strong hand make help to me:

thy precepts are my choice.

^174I long'd for thy salvation, Lord,

and in thy law rejoice.

^175O let my soul live, and it shall

give praises unto thee;

And let thy judgments gracious

be helpful unto me.

^176I, like a lost sheep, went astray;

thy servant seek, and find:

For thy commands I suffer'd not

to slip out of my mind.