Praying Psalm 31

Lord, I come to You for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for You do what is right. Turn Your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my Rock of Protection, a fortress where I will be safe. You are my Rock and my Fortress. For the honour of Your Name, lead me out of this world’s danger. Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in You alone. I entrust my spirit into Your hand. Rescue me Lord, for You are a faithful God. I hate those who worship worthless idols and I will always trust in my King Most High. I will always be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You see all my troubles and You care about the anguish of my soul. You do not hand me over to my enemies but set me in a safe place. Have mercy on me my Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin is draining my strength; I am wasting away from within. I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbours; even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. I heard the many rumours about me and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies, the devil and his followers, conspire against me, plotting to take my life. But I trust You, O Lord saying, “You are my God!” My future is in Your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. Let your favour shine on Your servant. In Your unfailing love, rescue me. Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to You for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave. Silence their lying lips; those proud and arrogant lips that accuse Your children. O how great is the goodness You store up for those who fear You. You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of Your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in Your presence, far from accusing tongues. I praise You my Lord, for You show me the wonders of Your unfailing love. You keep me safe when I am under attack. In panic I cry out, “I am cut off from my Lord!” But You hear my cries for mercy and answer my call for help. Love my Lord, all you godly ones! For my Lord protects those who are loyal to Him, but he will harshly punish the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in our Lord, amein!