Psalm 116 | New International Version

1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘Lord, save me!’ 5 The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 6 The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. 7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. 8 For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 10 I trusted in the Lord when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted’; 11 in my alarm I said, ‘Everyone is a liar.’ 12 What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. 14 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. 16 Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. 17 I will sacrifice a thank-offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. 18 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the Lord – in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.*

New International Reader’s Version

1 I love the LORD, because he heard my voice. He heard my cry for his help. 2 Because he paid attention to me, I will call out to him as long as I live. 3 The ropes of death were wrapped around me. The horrors of the grave came over me. I was overcome by sadness and sorrow. 4 Then I called out to the LORD. I cried out, ‘LORD, save me!’ 5 The LORD is holy and kind. Our God is full of tender love. 6 The LORD takes care of those who are not aware of danger. When I was in great need, he saved me. 7 I said to myself, ‘Be calm. The LORD has been good to me.’ 8 LORD, you have saved me from death. You have dried the tears from my eyes. You have kept me from tripping and falling. 9 So now I can enjoy life here with you while I’m still living. 10 I trusted in the LORD even when I said to myself, ‘I am in great pain.’ 11 When I was terrified, I said to myself, ‘No one tells the truth.’ 12 The LORD has been so good to me! How can I ever pay him back? 13 I will bring an offering of wine to the LORD and thank him for saving me. I will worship him. 14 In front of all the LORD’s people, I will do what I promised him. 15 The LORD pays special attention when his faithful people die. 16 LORD, I serve you. I serve you just as my mother did. You have set me free from the chains of my suffering. 17 LORD, I will sacrifice a thank-offering to you. I will worship you. 18 In front of all the LORD’s people, I will do what I promised him. 19 I will keep my promise in the courtyards of the LORD’s temple. I will keep my promise in Jerusalem itself. Praise the LORD.

Psalm 116 | New International Version New International Reader’s Version