Psalm 71

1. In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
   I trust in your great name.
   Do not put me to shame,
   but in your righteousness and mercy
   incline your ear and hear me;
   with saving help be near me.
   
   
2. LORD, be to me a rock and fortress,
   and issue your command
   to save me from the hand
   of those who savagely attack me.
   Protect me from their power:
   you are my strength and tower.
   
   
3. Since I was young, in you I’ve trusted;
   on you I’ve leaned from birth.
   From when you brought me forth
   and from my mother’s womb you took me,
   you’ve blessed me with your favour.
   I’ll sing your praise forever.
   
   
4. I as a portent am regarded,
   a sign for all to see.
   But you, LORD, are to me
   my strong and steadfast rock of refuge,
   my powerful defender.
   All day I praise your splendour.
   
   
5. In my old age, do not forsake me
   when all my strength is spent.
   LORD, see my foes’ intent:
   together they conspire to kill me.
   They say, “God does not see him,
   and there is none to free him.”
   
   
6. Do not stand far away but help me.
   O God, my God, make haste!
   May all those be disgraced
   who seek my harm and who accuse me.
   May they all be confounded,
   by scorn and shame surrounded.
   
   
7. But I will hope in you forever
   and praise you more and more.
   With you I am secure.
   LORD, in your righteousness I glory.
   When enemies oppressed me,
   you with your justice blessed me.
   
   
8. O LORD, your works of might and glory
   I will proclaim in song
   and praise them all day long.
   They far exceed my understanding.
   Your righteous deeds I treasure;
   they are beyond all measure.
   
   
9. You from my youth, O God, have taught me;
   I to this day proclaim
   your wondrous works, your fame.
   Now that I’m old and grey, stay near me
   and do not leave me ever;
   O God, forsake me never.
   
   
10. To all the coming generations
    I will with great delight
    proclaim your pow’r and might.
    Your righteousness is all-excelling;
    it reaches highest heaven.
    To you all praise be given.
    
    
11. Great are your deeds in might and splendour.
    God, who with you compares?
    You’ve brought me bitter cares,
    but from earth’s deepest pits you’ll raise me
    to ever greater glory.
    Your comfort will restore me.
    
    
12. With harp and lute I’ll sing to praise you
    for all that you have done,
    O Isr’el’s Holy One.
    Your love and faithfulness extolling,
    I’ll shout with joy and fervour,
    for you are my preserver.
    
    
13. My lips and tongue will praise your goodness;
    I will with heart and soul
    your righteous deeds extol.
    You humbled those who sought my ruin;
    your praise I will be voicing,
    all day in you rejoicing.