1Bow down thine ear , O LORD , hear me: for I am poor and needy . 2Preserve my soul ; for I am holy : O thou my God , save thy servant that trusteth in thee. 3Be merciful unto me, O Lord : for I cry unto thee daily . 4Rejoice the soul of thy servant : for unto thee, O Lord , do I lift up my soul .
God's Character and Attributes
5For thou, Lord , art good , and ready to forgive ; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 6Give ear , O LORD , unto my prayer ; and attend to the voice of my supplications . 7In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
The Nations and God's Glory
8Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord ; neither are there any works like unto thy works . 9All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord ; and shall glorify thy name . 10For thou art great , and doest wondrous things : thou art God alone.
A Personal Plea for Guidance
11Teach me thy way , O LORD ; I will walk in thy truth : unite my heart to fear thy name . 12I will praise thee, O Lord my God , with all my heart : and I will glorify thy name for evermore . 13For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell .
The Response of the Wicked
14O God , the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul ; and have not set thee before them. 15But thou, O Lord , art a God full of compassion , and gracious , longsuffering , and plenteous in mercy and truth . 16O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant , and save the son of thine handmaid . 17Shew me a token for good ; that they which hate me may see it , and be ashamed : because thou, LORD , hast holpen me, and comforted me.