1Lord, my rock, I'm calling out to you. Please listen to me! For if you don't respond, I'll be like those who go down into the grave. ⁸¹

2Listen as I appeal for mercy, as I call for help, as I hold up my hands in prayer towards your holy Temple.

3Don't drag me off with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak nicely to their neighbors while in their minds they're plotting evil.

4Give them what they deserve for their evil actions. Pay them back for what they've done. Give them the reward they've earned!

5For they don't pay any attention to what the Lord does, or to what he created. So he will destroy them—they will never be restored.

6Praise the Lord! For he has heard my appeal for mercy!

7The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust in him and he helps me. I'm so happy, and I sing my thanks to him.

8The Lord gives strength to his people; he is a safe refuge for the one he has anointed. ⁸²

9Save your people! Bless your “special possession”! ⁸³Be their shepherd and carry them in your arms forever!