1 [By David.] O LORD, I call to you. O my rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. If you remain silent, I will be like those who go into the pit.

2 Hear my prayer for mercy when I call to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your most holy place.

3 Do not drag me away with wicked people, with troublemakers who speak of peace with their neighbors but have evil in their hearts.

4 Pay them back for what they have done, for their evil deeds. Pay them back for what their hands have done, and give them what they deserve.

5 The LORD will tear them down and never build them up again, because they never consider what he has done or what his hands have made.

6 Thank the LORD! He has heard my prayer for mercy!

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted him, so I received help. My heart is triumphant; I give thanks to him with my song.

8 The LORD is the strength of his people and a fortress for the victory of his Messiah.

9 Save your people, and bless those who belong to you. Be their shepherd, and carry them forever.