Blessed are They Who Help the Weak

1 Blessèd are they who help the weak and poor; God will deliver them in times of strife. 2 Surely the LORD will bless them in the land; he will protect them and preserve their life. He will not hand them over to their foes, nor give them over to their evil will. 3 God’s help sustains them when on their sickbed; you, LORD, will raise them up when they are ill. 4 I said, “O LORD, be gracious unto me; heal me, because against you I have sinned.” 5 Enemies speak with malice when they say, “When will you die, your name be brought to end?” 6 They come to me with evil in their hearts; when they go out, they spread their empty lies. 7 All of my foes who hate me whisper low, plotting the worst that evil minds devise. 8 They say, “A vile disease has struck you down; you never will get up and leave your bed.” 9 Even my close friends turned their backs on me; they whom I trusted and who shared my bread. 10 But you, O LORD, be merciful to me. Raise me again their malice to repay. 11 I know that you are pleased with me, O LORD; for over me my foes do not hold sway. 12 You hold me fast in my integrity; you set me in your presence evermore. 13 Bless Israel’s God, the LORD, from age to age! Amen. Amen. Forever praise the LORD! – Trinity Psalter Hymnal, alt.