1 I pray to you, O LORD, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die.
as I cry out to you for help,
as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.
with those who do evil —
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
while planning evil in their hearts.
Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.
Pay them back for all their evil deeds!
Give them a taste of what they have done to others.
or for what his hands have made.
So he will tear them down,
and they will never be rebuilt!
For he has heard my cry for mercy.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.
Bless Israel, your special possession.a
Lead them like a shepherd,
and carry them in your arms forever.