‘Shir Lama’alot’ - The Song of Ascents - Psalm 121
The Levites sang the song of praise as they ascended the temple steps.
According to the Kabbalists, ascending the stairs corresponds to ascending to the spiritual level found at the gates of heaven.
There are two sections to the psalm.
The worshiper's prayer and appeal to God in the first section is for assistance and salvation.
In the second section, he learns that he will get what he desires and that God is constantly by his side, guarding and defending him everywhere.
The Prayer in Hebrew reads:
A song of ascents
I turn my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot give way;
Your guardian will not slumber;
See the guardian of Israel neither slumber nor sleep!
The Lord is your guardian.
The Lord is your protection at your right hand.
By day, the sun will not strike you,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord will guard you against all harm and protect your life.
The Lord will guard you, going and coming
Now and Forever.