Psalms 142

A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

1 I cry with my voice to Yahweh. With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy.I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. ✦

2 I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles.I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. ✦

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my route. On the path in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. ✦

4 Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul.I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. ✦

5 I cried to you, Yahweh. I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. ✦

6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. ✦

7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will be good to me.Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. ✦