Waiata 61

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

God, listen to me, and answer my prayer [DOU]!

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.

While I am discouraged and far from my home, I am calling out to you. Lead me to [the place that is like] a high rock [MET] on top of which I will be safe.

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

You have been my refuge; you have been [like] a strong tower [MET] [in which I am safe] from being attacked by my enemies.

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

Allow me to live close to your temple all during my life [HYP]! Allow me to be safe [MET], [like a little bird is safe] under [its mother’s] wings.

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.

God, you heard me when I solemnly promised [to give offerings to you]; you have given to me the blessings that belong to those who have an awesome respect for you [MTY].

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

[I am] the king [of Israel]; [please] allow me to live [and rule] for many years, and allow my descendants to rule [also].

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

Allow us to rule forever while you observe us; watch over us while you faithfully love us and do for us what you promised.

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

If you do that, I will always sing to praise you [MTY] while I offer to you each day the sacrifices that I promised to give to you.