1. I love the Lord because he hearsmy requests for mercy.
2. I’ll call out to him as long as I live,because he listens closely to me.
3. Death’s ropes bound me;the distress of the grave found me—I came face-to-face with trouble and grief.
4. So I called on the Lord’s name:"Lord, please save me!"
5. The Lord is merciful and righteous;our God is compassionate.
6. The Lord protects simple folk;he saves me whenever I am brought down.
7. I tell myself, You can be at peace again,because the Lord has been good to you.
8. You, God, have delivered me from death,my eyes from tears,and my foot from stumbling,
9. so I’ll walk before the Lordin the land of the living.
10. I have remained faithful, even when I said,"I am suffering so badly!"
11. even when I said, out of fear,"Everyone is a liar!"
12. What can I give back to the Lordfor all the good things he has done for me?
13. I’ll lift up the cup of salvation.I’ll call on the Lord’s name.
14. I’ll keep the promises I made to the Lordin the presence of all God’s people.
15. The death of the Lord’s faithfulis a costly loss in his eyes.
16. Oh yes, Lord, I am definitely your servant!I am your servant and the son of your female servant—you’ve freed me from my chains.
17. So I’ll offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to you,and I’ll call on the Lord’s name.
18. I’ll keep the promises I made to the Lordin the presence of all God’s people,
19. in the courtyards of the Lord’s house,which is in the center of Jerusalem.Praise the Lord!