Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.

What Pleases God

1 From east to west, the powerful Lord God has been calling together everyone on earth.

2 God shines brightly from Zion, the most beautiful city.

3 Our God approaches, but not silently; a flaming fire comes first, and a storm surrounds him.

4 God comes to judge his people. 

He shouts to the heavens and to the earth, 5 “Call my followers together!

They offered me a sacrifice, and we made an agreement.”

6 The heavens announce, “God is the judge, and he is always honest.”

7 My people, I am God!

Israel, I am your God.

Listen to my charges against you.

8 Although you offer sacrifices and always bring gifts, 9 I won't accept your offerings of bulls and goats.

10 Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care.

12 If I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you, because I own the world and everything in it.

13 I don't eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of goats.

14 I am God Most High!

The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word.

15 Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.

16 But to the wicked I say:

“You don't have the right to mention my laws or claim to keep our agreement!

17 You refused correction and rejected my commands.

18 You made friends with every crook you met, and you liked people who break their wedding vows.

19 You talked only about violence and told nothing but lies; 20 you sat around gossiping, ruining the reputation of your own relatives.”

21 When you did all this, I didn't say a word, and you thought, “God is just like us!”

But now I will accuse you. 

22 You have ignored me!

So pay close attention or I will tear you apart, and no one can help you.

23 The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart.

Obey me, and I, your God, will show my power to save.