1-5. My God, don’t turn a deaf ear to my hallelujah prayer.Liars are pouring out invective on me;Their lying tongues are like a pack of dogs out to get me,barking their hate, nipping my heels—and for no reason!I loved them and now they slander me—yes, me!—and treat my prayer like a crime;They return my good with evil,they return my love with hate.
21-25. Oh, God, my Lord, step in;work a miracle for me—you can do it!Get me out of here—your love is so great!—I’m at the end of my rope, my life in ruins.I’m fading away to nothing, passing away,my youth gone, old before my time.I’m weak from hunger and can hardly stand up,my body a rack of skin and bones.I’m a joke in poor taste to those who see me;they take one look and shake their heads.
26-29. Help me, oh help me, God, my God,save me through your wonderful love;Then they’ll know that your hand is in this,that you, God, have been at work.Let them curse all they want;you do the blessing.Let them be jeered by the crowd when they stand up,followed by cheers for me, your servant.Dress my accusers in clothes dirty with shame,discarded and humiliating old ragbag clothes.
30-31. My mouth’s full of great praise for God,I’m singing his hallelujahs surrounded by crowds,For he’s always at hand to take the side of the needy,to rescue a life from the unjust judge.