To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.

Prayer for Help and Praise to God

1I waited expectantlya for the LORD,

and he took notice of me

and heard my cry.

2He plucked me out of a pit of confusion,b

even out of the quicksand;

he placed my feet on a rock

and established my steps.

3He put a new song in my mouth,

praise to our God!

Many will watch and be in awe,

and they will place their trust in the LORD.

4How blessed is that strong person

who places his trust in the LORD,

and who has not acknowledged the proud

nor resorted to lies.

5LORD, my God,

You have done great things:

marvelous works and your thoughts toward us.

There is no one who compares to you!

I will try to recite your actions,c

even though there are too many to number.

6You take no delight in sacrifices and offerings—

you have prepared my ears to listen—d

you require no burnt offerings or sacrifices for sin.

7Then I said, “Here I am! I have come!

In the scroll of the book it is written about me.

8I delight to do your will, my God.

Your Law is part of my inner being.”

9In the great congregation I have proclaimed the righteous good news.

Behold, I did not seal my lips, LORD, as you know.

10I have not ignorede your righteousness in my heart;

instead, I have proclaimed your faithfulness and deliverance.

I have not concealed your gracious love and truthfulness

from the great congregation.

11LORD, do not withhold your mercyf from me,

for your gracious love and truthfulness will keep me safe continuously.

12Innumerable evils have surrounded me;

my iniquities have overtaken me so that I cannot see.

They are more in number than the hair on my head,

and my courageg has forsaken me.

13Be pleased, LORD, to deliver me;

LORD, hurry up and help me!

14May those who seek to destroy my life be ashamed and confounded;

let them be driven backwards and humiliated,

particularly those who wish me evil.

15Let shame be the reward for those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”

16Let all who seek you shout for joy and be glad in you.

May those who love your deliverance say,

“The LORD be magnified!” continuously.

17But I am poor and needy;

may the Lord think about me.

You are my help and deliverer.

My God, do not tarry too long!