I will praise you O Lord with all my heart.
I will worship you and continually thank you
for your love and faithfulness.
I am exceedingly grateful that you
always hear my cries for help;
you answer me with mercy,
you give me strength to be bold.

If only the leaders of world governments
would listen to your words
and order their people according to your will.
Then they would know the true meaning of peace,
and they would rejoice together for the Lord is great.
And why should they listen: God is high above but
sees far below; he knows everything about us.

You do not shield me from trouble and conflict;
you keep me safe in your arms.
You are with me even in sorrow and suffering.
You protect me from those who attempt to harm me;
you will not allow them to destroy me.

Lord fulfil your purpose for my life.
Your love is for ever and ever.
Do not abandon the works of your hands.

A paraphrase of Psalm 138