A psalm of David. O Lord, I cry out to you. Come quickly to me! Pay attention to me when I cry out to you!

Guide me into your truth and teach me. For you are the God who delivers me; on you I rely all day long.

You make me happier than those who have abundant grain and wine.

Otherwise they will rip me to shreds like a lion; they will tear me to bits and no one will be able to rescue me.

Teach me how you want me to live; lead me along a level path because of those who wait to ambush me!

I will boast in the Lord; let the oppressed hear and rejoice!

I am numb with pain and severely battered; I groan loudly because of the anxiety I feel.

I have told the great assembly about your justice. Look! I spare no words! O Lord, you know this is true.

All who hate me whisper insults about me to one another; they plan ways to harm me.

I thirst for God, for the living God. I say, “When will I be able to go and appear in God’s presence?”

I will enter your temple with burnt sacrifices; I will fulfill the vows I made to you,

Then I said, “I am sickened by the thought that the sovereign One might become inactive.

I will sing a song that imparts wisdom; I will make insightful observations about the past.

I will thank the Lord profusely, in the middle of a crowd I will praise him,

May I be fully committed to your statutes, so that I might not be ashamed.

I stay away from the evil path, so that I might keep your instructions.

A song of ascents. I look up toward you, the one enthroned in heaven.

When I cried out for help, you answered me. You made me bold and energized me.

If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.

O Lord, shelter me from the power of the wicked! Protect me from violent men, who plan to knock me over.