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A song of David. 
 1 LORD, you are my Rock. 
I am calling to you for help. 
Don’t close your ears to my prayers. 
If you don’t answer me, 
I will be counted among the dead. 
 2 I lift my hands and pray toward your Most Holy Place. 
Hear me when I call to you. 
Show mercy to me. 
 3 Don’t treat me like the evil people 
who do wicked things. 
They greet their neighbors like friends, 
but secretly plan to hurt them. 
 4 They do bad things to others, 
so make bad things happen to them. 
Give them the punishment they deserve. 
 5 They don’t notice what the LORD does. 
They ignore all the good things he has made. 
So instead of building them up, 
he will destroy them. 
 6 Praise the LORD! 
He has heard my prayer for mercy. 
 7 The LORD is my strength and shield. 
I trusted him with all my heart. 
He helped me, so I am happy. 
I sing songs of praise to him. 
 8 The LORD protects his chosen one.* his chosen one Or “his anointed one.” This might be anyone God chose to serve in a special way, but it is usually the king he has chosen. 
He saves him and gives him strength. 
 9 Save your people. 
Bless those who belong to you. 
Lead them and honor them† honor them Or “forgive them.” Literally, “lift them up.” forever.