Psalm 116

1. 1 I love the Lord because he hears my voice 1 and my prayer for mercy.

2. Because he bends down to listen, 2 I will pray as long as I have breath!

3. Death wrapped its ropes around me; 3 the terrors of the grave[a] overtook me. 3 I saw only trouble and sorrow.

4. Then I called on the name of the Lord: 4 “Please, Lord, save me!”

5. How kind the Lord is! How good he is! 5 So merciful, this God of ours!

6. The Lord protects those of childlike faith; 6 I was facing death, and he saved me.

7. Let my soul be at rest again, 7 for the Lord has been good to me.

8. He has saved me from death, 8 my eyes from tears, 8 my feet from stumbling.

9. And so I walk in the Lord’s presence 9 as I live here on earth!

10. I believed in you, so I said, 10 “I am deeply troubled, Lord.”

11. In my anxiety I cried out to you, 11 “These people are all liars!”

12. What can I offer the Lord 12 for all he has done for me?

13. I will lift up the cup of salvation 13 and praise the Lord’s name for saving me.

14. I will keep my promises to the Lord 14 in the presence of all his people.

15. The Lord cares deeply 15 when his loved ones die.

16. O Lord, I am your servant; 16 yes, I am your servant, born into your household; 16 you have freed me from my chains.

17. I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving 17 and call on the name of the Lord.

18. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord 18 in the presence of all his people—

19. in the house of the Lord 19 in the heart of Jerusalem. 19 Praise the Lord!

Footnotes:
a. 116:3: Hebrew of Sheol.