Psalm 31

In you, my Protector, I have found refuge,
you would never shame me;
your integrity is my salvation.

Turn your ear to me,
come swiftly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge, a strong, saving fortress.

My rock and my fortress, by your name lead and guard me.

Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commit my soul;
deliver me, Holy One, my true Godde.

I hate the lies, the vanities that would ensnare;
let me trust in the Holy One.

I am glad and rejoice in your love,
for you have seen my affliction
and have known the anguish of my soul;

you have not abandoned me to the Adversary
but have established me in a spacious place.

Be merciful to me, my Guardian, for I am in distress …
My eyes are weakened by sorrow; my soul, my body by grief.

My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning;

my strength fails when I am unjust
my essence grows weak.

Even among my neighbors

– to those who despise me –
I am disgraced.

My acquaintances dread seeing me,
those who meet me on the street turn from me.

I am forgotten as though I were dead;
I am a broken vessel.

Sometimes I hear whisperings …
“Terror on every side!”

Evil conspires against me,

seeking my destruction.

But I trust in you, Holy One;
I say, “You are my Godde.”

My days are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of the Adversary,
from all who wish me harm.

Let your face shine on your servant;
save me with your unfailing love.

You would never shame me, Holy One,
I have cried out to you,

let wickedness dissolve in shame,
silenced in the realm of the dead!

Let lying lips be silenced –

pride and contempt as well –
all that speaks arrogantly, hating integrity.

You establish abundant goodness,

you bestow bounty in the sight of all;

those who revere you find refuge in you.

In the shelter of your presence you hide
all human intrigues;

in your dwelling you keep us safe
from accusations.

Praise the Holy One,
who shows us the wonders of love
even when we are besieged ...

In my alarm I said,
“I am cut off from your sight!”

Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.

Love our faithful Protector all people!
The Holy One preserves those who trust;

the proud receive just recompense.

Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Holy One.