1   
Lord, I have come to you for protection;
  never let me be defeated!

2   
Because you are righteous, help me and rescue me.
  Listen to me and save me!

3   
Be my secure shelter
  and a strong fortress ^note to protect me;
  you are my refuge and defense.

4   
My God, rescue me from wicked men,
  from the power of cruel and evil men.

5   
Sovereign Lord, I put my hope in you;
  I have trusted in you since I was young.

6   
I have relied on you all my life;
  you have protected ^note me since the day I was born.
  I will always praise you.

7   
My life has been an example to many,
  because you have been my strong defender.

8   
All day long I praise you
  and proclaim your glory.

9   
Do not reject me now that I am old;
  do not abandon me now that I am feeble.

10   
My enemies want to kill me;
  they talk and plot against me.

11   
They say, “God has abandoned him;
  let's go after him and catch him;
  there is no one to rescue him.”

12   
Don't stay so far away, O God;
  my God, hurry to my aid!

13   
May those who attack me
  be defeated and destroyed.
May those who try to hurt me
  be shamed and disgraced.

14   
I will always put my hope in you;
  I will praise you more and more.

15   
I will tell of your goodness;
  all day long I will speak of your salvation,
  though it is more than I can understand.

16   
I will praise your power, Sovereign Lord;
  I will proclaim your goodness, yours alone.

17   
You have taught me ever since I was young,
  and I still tell of your wonderful acts.

18   
Now that I am old and my hair is gray,
  do not abandon me, O God!
Be with me while I proclaim your power and might
  to all generations to come.

19   
Your righteousness, God, reaches the skies.
  You have done great things;
  there is no one like you.

20   
You have sent troubles and suffering on me,
  but you will restore my strength;
  you will keep me from the grave.

21   
You will make me greater than ever;
  you will comfort me again.

22   
I will indeed praise you with the harp;
  I will praise your faithfulness, my God.
On my harp I will play hymns to you,
  the Holy One of Israel.

23   
I will shout for joy as I play for you;
  with my whole being I will sing
  because you have saved me.

24   
I will speak of your righteousness all day long,
  because those who tried to harm me
  have been defeated and disgraced.

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