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A Prayer for the King

For the director of music. A song of David.

20 May the Lord answer you in times of trouble.
    May the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from his Temple.
    May he support you from Mount Zion.
May he remember all your offerings.
    May he accept all your sacrifices. Selah
May he give you what you want.
    May all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you succeed.
    We will raise a flag in the name of our God.
May the Lord give you all that you ask for.

Now I know the Lord helps his appointed king.
    He answers him from his holy heaven.
    He saves him with his strong right hand.
Some trust in chariots, others in horses.
    But we trust the Lord our God.
They are overwhelmed and defeated.
    But we march forward and win.
Lord, save the king!
    Answer us when we call for help.

Psalm 20[a]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;(A)
    may the name of the God of Jacob(B) protect you.(C)
May he send you help(D) from the sanctuary(E)
    and grant you support(F) from Zion.(G)
May he remember(H) all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.[b](I)
May he give you the desire of your heart(J)
    and make all your plans succeed.(K)
May we shout for joy(L) over your victory
    and lift up our banners(M) in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.(N)

Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.(O)
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.(P)
Some trust in chariots(Q) and some in horses,(R)
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.(S)
They are brought to their knees and fall,(T)
    but we rise up(U) and stand firm.(V)
Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us(W) when we call!

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 20:1 In Hebrew texts 20:1-9 is numbered 20:2-10.
  2. Psalm 20:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.