Psalm 71A

Schmücke dich 8.8.8.8. Trochaic (Johann Crüger, 1598-1662; harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958)

1 Lord, in you I have been sheltered;
may I never be bewildered.
2 By your righteousness relieve me;
hear me, save me and receive me.
3 Be my safe and sturdy stronghold;
be my sure and steady foothold;
be my citadel and refuge;
be my cover from the deluge.

4 God, release me from the vicious,
from the wicked and malicious.
5 Lord, my hope and my defender,
from my youth when I was tender,
6 you, my confidence in trouble,
from my youth in every struggle,
from my mother’s womb you brought me,
cut my birthing cord, and caught me.

God, in you my praise is constant.
7 Many see me as a portent.
Lord, you are a mighty shelter,
ever my sufficient helper.
8 Now my mouth will praise your glory
all the day; do not ignore me,
9 when in age I am diminished,
when my mortal strength is finished.

10 Hateful foes who wait to snatch me,
seek my life, and try to catch me,
11 speak in anger, “Seize him, take him,
God has left him, none can save him.”
12 Help me now, do not desert me;
may my foes, who seek to hurt me,
13 face the sound of accusation,
and be wrapped in condemnation.

The psalm continues at Psalm 71B.

– Adam Carlill