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from suffocation in oppressive smoke rising from fires that I did not light;
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from death itself; from vicious slander reported to the king.
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I was once brought face-to-face with death;
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enemies surrounded me everywhere. I looked for someone to help me, but there was no one there.
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But then, O Lord, I remembered how merciful you are and what you had done in times past. I remembered that you rescue those who rely on you, that you save them from their enemies.
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Then from here on earth I prayed to you to rescue me from death.
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I prayed, "O Lord, you are my father; do not abandon me to my troubles when I am helpless against arrogant enemies.
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I will always praise you and sing hymns of thanksgiving." You answered my prayer,
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and saved me from the threat of destruction. And so I thank you and praise you. O Lord, I praise you!
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When I was still young, before I started out on my travels, I boldly prayed for Wisdom.
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I went to the Temple and asked for her, and I will look for her as long as I live.