A psalm by Asaph. El, God, the Lord speaks, and summons the earth to come from the east and west.

All those who behave wickedly do not understand – those who devour my people as if they were eating bread, and do not call out to God.

My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help; I know that God is on my side.

From the most remote place on earth I call out to you in my despair. Lead me up to an inaccessible rocky summit!

I am exhausted from shouting for help; my throat is sore; my eyes grow tired of looking for my God.

In your distress you called out and I rescued you. I answered you from a dark thundercloud. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. (Selah)

Certainly O Lord, you are kind and forgiving, and show great faithfulness to all who cry out to you.

My eyes grow weak because of oppression. I call out to you, O Lord, all day long; I spread out my hands in prayer to you.

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm of David. When I call out, answer me, O God who vindicates me! Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place. Have mercy on me and respond to my prayer!

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried out to my God. From his heavenly temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.

By David. To you, O Lord, I cry out! My protector, do not ignore me! If you do not respond to me, I will join those who are descending into the grave.

Pour out your anger on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not pray to you!

Do not ignore me in my time of trouble! Listen to me! When I call out to you, quickly answer me!