A Prayer for Guidance and Protection+

1To you, O Lord, I offer my prayer;

2in you, my God, I trust.

Save me from the shame of defeat;

don't let my enemies gloat over me!

3Defeat does not come to those who trust in you,

but to those who are quick to rebel against you.

4Teach me your ways, O Lord;

make them known to me.

5Teach me to live according to your truth,

for you are my God, who saves me.

I always trust in you.

6Remember, O Lord, your kindness and constant love

which you have shown from long ago.

7Forgive the sins and errors of my youth.

In your constant love and goodness,

remember me, Lord!

8Because the Lord is righteous and good,

he teaches sinners the path they should follow.

9He leads the humble in the right way

and teaches them his will.

10With faithfulness and love he leads

all who keep his covenant and obey his commands.

11Keep your promise, Lord, and forgive my sins,

for they are many.

12Those who have reverence for the Lord

will learn from him the path they should follow.

13They will always be prosperous,

and their children will possess the land.

14The Lord is the friend of those who obey him

and he affirms his covenant with them.

15I look to the Lord for help at all times,

and he rescues me from danger.

16Turn to me, Lord, and be merciful to me,

because I am lonely and weak.

17Relieve me of my worries

and save me from all my troubles.

18Consider my distress and suffering

and forgive all my sins.

19See how many enemies I have;

see how much they hate me.

20Protect me and save me;

keep me from defeat.

I come to you for safety.

21May my goodness and honesty preserve me,

because I trust in you.

22From all their troubles, O God,

save your people Israel!