Psalm 71

¹ In you, O Lord, I take refuge, let me never be put to shame.

² In your faithfulness save me and rescue me, bend your ear to me and save me.

³ Be to me a rock of defence, a fortified house, to save me; for my rock and my fortress are you.

⁴ Save me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.

⁵ For you, Lord, are my hope, in whom from my youth I have trusted.

⁶ On you have I leaned from my birth; from my mother’s womb it was you who did draw me. In you is my hope evermore.

⁷ I have been as a wonder to many, for you are my refuge and strength.

⁸ All the day long my mouth is filled with your praise and your glory.

⁹ Cast me not off in the time of old age; when my strength is spent, forsake me not.

¹⁰ For my foes whisper against me, they who watch me take counsel together;

¹¹ “God has left him,” they say: “pursue and seize him, for he is helpless.”

¹² O God, be not far from me, haste, O my God, to my help.

¹³ Put my foes to shame and dishonour, with insult and shame be they covered.

¹⁴ But I will never stop hoping, and more and yet more will I praise you.

¹⁵ All the day long shall my mouth tell your faithfulness and your salvation, though I know not how they may be counted.

¹⁶ I will tell of the might of the Lord, and your faithfulness praise, you alone.

¹⁷ You have taught me, O God, from my youth, and till now have I told of your wonders.

¹⁸ Even in old age and grey hair, O God, do not forsake me. Still would I tell of your might unto all generations to come.

¹⁹ Your power and your justice, O God, extend as far as the heavens: for great are the things you have done. Who is like you, O God?

²⁰ You have caused us to see troubles many, but you will revive us again. From the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.

²¹ You will multiply my greatness, and comfort me again.

²² So with harp I will praise you, and your faithfulness, O my God; and make music to you on the lyre, O you Holy One of Israel.

²³ My lips shall ring out their joy, my mouth shall sing praises to you; all of me, which you have redeemed.

²⁴ Yes, all the day long shall my tongue utter your righteousness; for ashamed and confounded are they who were seeking my hurt.