2.4 Prayer in Time of Distress and Thanksgiving

(Psalm 31:1-19)

I come to you, Lord, for protection; never let me be defeated.
You are a righteous God; save me I pray!
Hear me! Save me now!
Be my refuge to protect me; my defense to save me.
You are my refuge and defense;
guide me and lead me as you have promised.
Keep me safe from the trap that has been set for me;
Shelter me from danger.
I place myself in your care.
You will save me Lord;
You are a faithful God.

You hate those who worship false gods, but I trust in you.
I will be glad and rejoice because of your constant love.
You see my suffering; you know my trouble.
You have not let my enemies capture me; you have given me freedom to go where I wish.

Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in trouble;
My eyes are tires from so much crying;
I am completely worn out.
I am exhausted by sorrow, and weeping has shortened my life.
I am weak from all my troubles; even my bones are wasting away.

All my enemies, and especially my neighbors, treat me with contempt;
Those who know me are afraid of me; when they see me in the street, they run away.
Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead;
I am like something thrown away.
I hear many enemies whispering: terror is all around me.

But my trust is in you, O Lord; you are my God.
I am always in your care;
Save me from my enemies, from those who persecute me.

How wonderful are the good things you keep for those who honor you!
Everyone knows how good you are, how securely you protect those who trust you.