from Biblica1I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.2Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.3The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.4Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘Lord, save me!’5The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.6The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.7Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.8For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,9that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.10I trusted in the Lord when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted’;11in my alarm I said, ‘Everyone is a liar.’12What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?13I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.14I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.15Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.16Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains.17I will sacrifice a thank-offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.18I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,19in the courts of the house of the Lord – in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.[1]
Psalm 116
New International Reader’s Version
from Biblica1I love the LORD, because he heard my voice. He heard my cry for his help.2Because he paid attention to me, I will call out to him as long as I live.3The ropes of death were wrapped around me. The horrors of the grave came over me. I was overcome by sadness and sorrow.4Then I called out to the LORD. I cried out, ‘LORD, save me!’5The LORD is holy and kind. Our God is full of tender love.6The LORD takes care of those who are not aware of danger. When I was in great need, he saved me.7I said to myself, ‘Be calm. The LORD has been good to me.’8LORD, you have saved me from death. You have dried the tears from my eyes. You have kept me from tripping and falling.9So now I can enjoy life here with you while I’m still living.10I trusted in the LORD even when I said to myself, ‘I am in great pain.’11When I was terrified, I said to myself, ‘No one tells the truth.’12The LORD has been so good to me! How can I ever pay him back?13I will bring an offering of wine to the LORD and thank him for saving me. I will worship him.14In front of all the LORD’s people, I will do what I promised him.15The LORD pays special attention when his faithful people die.16LORD, I serve you. I serve you just as my mother did. You have set me free from the chains of my suffering.17LORD, I will sacrifice a thank-offering to you. I will worship you.18In front of all the LORD’s people, I will do what I promised him.19I will keep my promise in the courtyards of the LORD’s temple. I will keep my promise in Jerusalem itself. Praise the LORD.