(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
A Prayer for Help
1 I patiently waited, Lord,
for you to hear my prayer.
You listened 2 and pulled me
from a lonely pit
full of mud and mire.
You let me stand on a rock
with my feet firm,
3 and you gave me a new song,
a song of praise to you.
Many will see this,
and they will honor and trust
you, the Lord God.

4 You bless all of those
who trust you, Lord,
and refuse to worship idols
or follow false gods.
5 You, Lord God, have done
many wonderful things,
and you have planned
marvelous things for us.
No one is like you!
I would never be able to tell
all you have done.

6 Sacrifices and offerings
are not what please you;
gifts and payment for sin
are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
to listen and obey.
7 And so, I said, โ€œI am here
to do what is written
about me in the book,
where it says,
8 โ€˜I enjoy pleasing you.
Your Law is in my heart.โ€™ โ€

9 When your people worshiped,
you know I told them,
โ€œOur Lord always helps!โ€
10 When all your people met,
I did not keep silent.
I said, โ€œOur Lord is kind.
He is faithful and caring,
and he saves us.โ€

11 You, Lord, never fail
to have pity on me;
your love and faithfulness
always keep me secure.

12 I have more troubles
than I can count.
My sins are all around me,
and I can't find my way.
My sins outnumber
the hairs on my head,
and I feel weak.
13 Please show that you care
and come to my rescue.
Hurry and help me!

14 Disgrace and confuse
all who want me dead;
turn away and disgrace
all who want to hurt me.
15 Embarrass and shame
everyone who says,
โ€œJust look at you now!โ€

16 Our Lord, let your worshipers
rejoice and be glad.
They love you for saving them,
so let them always say,
โ€œThe Lord is wonderful!โ€

17 I am poor and needy,
but, Lord God,
you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
Please hurry and help.