1 [A prayer by David.] Turn your ear [toward me], O LORD. Answer me, because I am oppressed and needy.

2 Protect me, because I am faithful [to you]. Save your servant who trusts you. You are my God.

3 Have pity on me, O Lord, because I call out to you all day long.

4 Give me joy, O Lord, because I lift my soul to you.

5 You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, full of mercy toward everyone who calls out to you.

6 Open your ears to my prayer, O LORD. Pay attention when I plead for mercy.

7 When I am in trouble, I call out to you because you answer me.

8 No god is like you, O Lord. No one can do what you do.

9 All the nations that you have made will bow in your presence, O Lord. They will honor you.

10 Indeed, you are great, a worker of miracles. You alone are God.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, so that I may live in your truth. Focus my heart on fearing you.

12 I will give thanks to you with all my heart, O Lord my God. I will honor you forever

13 because your mercy toward me is great. You have rescued me from the depths of hell.

14 O God, arrogant people attack me, and a mob of ruthless people seeks my life. They think nothing of you.

15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God. You are patient, always faithful and ready to forgive.

16 Turn toward me, and have pity on me. Give me your strength because I am your servant. Save me because I am the son of your female servant.

17 Grant me some proof of your goodness so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame. You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.