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A Prayer for Protection

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

61 God, hear my cry;
listen to my prayer.
I call to you from the ends of the earth
    when I am afraid.
    Carry me away to a high mountain.
You have been my protection,
    like a strong tower against my enemies.

Let me live in your Holy Tent forever.
    Let me find safety in the shelter of your wings. Selah

God, you have heard my promises.
    You have given me what belongs to those who fear you.

Give the king a long life;
    let him live many years.
Let him rule in the presence of God forever.
    Protect him with your love and truth.
Then I will praise your name forever,
    and every day I will keep my promises.

Psalm 61[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

Hear my cry, O God;(A)
    listen to my prayer.(B)

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;(C)
    lead me to the rock(D) that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,(E)
    a strong tower against the foe.(F)

I long to dwell(G) in your tent forever
    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.[b](H)
For you, God, have heard my vows;(I)
    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.(J)

Increase the days of the king’s life,(K)
    his years for many generations.(L)
May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;(M)
    appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.(N)

Then I will ever sing in praise of your name(O)
    and fulfill my vows day after day.(P)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 61:1 In Hebrew texts 61:1-8 is numbered 61:2-9.
  2. Psalm 61:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.