Read the Bible

¹ Lord, you are my Rock.
    I am calling to you for help.
    Don't close your ears to my prayers.
If you don't answer me,
    I will be counted among the dead.
² I lift my hands and pray toward your Most Holy Place.
    Hear me when I call to you.
    Show mercy to me.
³ Don't treat me like the evil people
    who do wicked things.
They greet their neighbors like friends,
    but secretly plan to hurt them.
⁴ They do bad things to others,
    so make bad things happen to them.
    Give them the punishment they deserve.
⁵ They don't notice what the Lord does.
    They ignore all the good things he has made.
So instead of building them up,
    he will destroy them.

⁶ Praise the Lord!
    He has heard my prayer for mercy.
⁷ The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trusted him with all my heart.
He helped me, so I am happy.
    I sing songs of praise to him.
⁸ The Lord protects his chosen one.^[a]
    He saves him and gives him strength.

⁹ Save your people.
    Bless those who belong to you.
    Lead them and honor them^[b] forever.