Psalm 28

A Prayer for Help^u

28 O Lord, my defender, I call to you.

Listen to my cry!

If you do not answer me,

I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead.

²Hear me when I cry to you for help,

when I lift my hands towards your holy Temple.

³Do not condemn me with the wicked,

with those who do evil—

those whose words are friendly,

but who have hatred in their hearts.

^4*Punish them for what they have done,

for the evil they have committed.

Punish them for all their deeds;

give them what they deserve!

⁵They take no notice of what the Lord has done

or of what he has made;

so he will punish them

and destroy them for ever.

⁶Give praise to the Lord;

he has heard my cry for help.

⁷The Lord protects and defends me;

I trust in him.

He gives me help and makes me glad;

I praise him with joyful songs.

⁸The Lord protects his people;

he defends and saves his chosen king.

⁹Save your people, Lord,

and bless those who are yours.

Be their shepherd,

and take care of them for ever.