Waiata 61

1 Ki te tino kaiwhakatangi. Nekina. Na Rawiri. Whakarongo, e te Atua, ki taku karanga: tahuri mai ki taku inoi.

For the music director. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. God, please hear my cry for help; please listen to my prayer.

2 Ka karanga ahau ki a koe i te pito o te whenua, ina pehia toku ngakau: arahina ahau ki te kohatu e tiketike ake ana i ahau.

From this distant place, far from home, I cry out to you as my courage fails. Take me to a rock high above me where I will be safe,

3 He piringa hoki koe moku: he pa kaha i te hoariri.

for you are my protection, a strong tower where my enemies cannot attack me.

4 Ka noho ahau ki tou tapenakara ake ake, ka okioki ki ou pakau hei piringa. (Hera)

Let me live with you forever; protect me under the shelter of your wings. (Selah)

5 Kua rongo nei hoki koe, e te Atua, i aku kupu tauranga kua homai e koe te wahi o te hunga e wehi ana ki tou ingoa.

For you, God, have heard the promises I've made. You have given all those who love your character your special blessing.

6 Ka whakaraneatia e koe nga ra o te kingi; ona tau ki nga whakatupuranga katoa.

Please give the king many extra years; may his reign last through generations.

7 E noho ia i te aroaro o te Atua ake ake: whakaritea mai he aroha, he pono, hei tiaki i a ia.

May he always live in your presence; may your trustworthy love and faithfulness protect him.

8 Penei ka himene ahau ki tou ingoa ake ake: ka whakamana e ahau aku kupu taurangi i tenei ra, i tenei ra.

Then I will always sing praises to you, and every day I will keep my promises to you.