Psalm 40

1. I waited and I waited for the LORD.
   Then from the pit he lifted me;
   from clay and mire he set me free:
   the LORD bent down to me, my cry he heard.
   Upon a rock he brought me.
   A new song he then taught me;
   I shout his praise abroad.
   Now many will draw near
   to see all this and fear
   and put their trust in God.
   
   
2. Blest is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
   who does not turn to men of pride,
   to those who in false gods confide,
   but clings to him, our God so great and just.
   Your plans for us to ponder,
   your mighty deeds of wonder
   you, LORD, have multiplied.
   None can with you compare,
   nor all your works declare,
   nor count them, though he tried.
   
   
3. No sacrifice did you, O LORD, require;
   but you gave me an open ear.
   I said, “I’ve come; see, I am here.
   O God, to do your will is my desire.
   Now take my life and mould it.
   I’ve come: the book foretold it;
   it’s written in the scroll.
   Your will is my delight;
   your law is day and night
   within my heart and soul.”
   
   
4. Before the congregation I profess
   the love and truth you have revealed.
   My lips, O LORD, I have not sealed;
   my heart has not concealed your righteousness.
   For everywhere I’ve spoken
   of faithfulness unbroken,
   of blessings from above.
   The great assembly heard
   of your trustworthy word
   and of your steadfast love.
   
   
5. Do not withhold your mercy and your grace;
   preserve me by your steadfast love
   and let your truth, shown from above,
   uphold me ever, LORD, before your face.
   For troubles all surround me;
   my many misdeeds hound me:
   I can no longer see.
   My sins, I do confess,
   are almost numberless;
   my heart is failing me.
   
   
6. Be pleased, O LORD, to save and rescue me.
   Come to my help! O LORD, make haste!
   Let those be utterly disgraced
   who seek my life and cause my misery.
   May they endure frustration
   and face humiliation.
   Hear how they jeer at me.
   May they in shame retreat,
   appalled at their defeat,
   crushed by their infamy.
   
   
7. May those who seek you in your love rejoice;
   may they all say continually,
   “Great is the LORD in majesty,”
   and sing his praise with joyful heart and voice.
   Though I am poor and needy,
   the LORD himself will heed me;
   he will not turn away,
   for he will think of me
   and will my helper be.
   My God, do not delay!