A Prayer for Help and Praise for Its Answer

281 To You, O Lord , I call ; My rock , do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit . 2 Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help , When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary . 3 Do not drag me away with the wicked And with those who work iniquity , Who speak peace with their neighbors , While evil is in their hearts . 4 Requite them according to their work and according to the evil of their practices ; Requite them according to the deeds of their hands ; Repay them their recompense . 5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord Nor the deeds of His hands , He will tear them down and not build them up.

6 Blessed be the Lord , Because He has heard the voice of my supplication . 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield ; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped ; Therefore my heart exults , And with my song I shall thank Him. 8 The Lord is their strength , And He is a saving defense to His anointed . 9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance ; Be their shepherd also, and carry them forever e .