1 O Lord my Rock, to you I cry aloud to hear my plea; I shall be lost, if you stay silent now and deaf to me. I lift my hands to your most holy place; do not withhold your mercy, love and grace! 2 Do not, I pray, drag me off with the vile, with souls perverse; smooth is their speech, but hidden in their hearts a silent curse. For all the Lord has done, they show disdain, but once torn down, they shall not rise again. 3 Praise to the Lord, who is my strength and shield; he hears my cry! God is my help; my heart will give him thanks and leap for joy. Strength of his people, fortress for his king; our Shepherd, save us! All your praise we sing.