Psalms 142

1 The understanding of David. A prayer, when he was in the cave. With my voice, I cried out to the Lord. With my voice, I made supplication to the Lord.

A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer. I cry with my voice to the LORD. With my voice, I ask the LORD for mercy.

2 In his sight, I pour out my prayer, and before him, I declare my tribulation.

I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles.

3 Though my spirit may become faint within me, even then, you have known my paths. Along this way, which I have been walking, they have hidden a snare for me.

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.

4 I considered toward the right, and I looked, but there was no one who would know me. Flight has perished before me, and there is no one who has concern for my soul.

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.

5 I cried out to you, O Lord. I said: You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.

I cried to you, LORD. I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Attend to my supplication. For I have been humbled exceedingly. Free me from my persecutors, for they have been fortified against me.

Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.

7 Lead my soul out of confinement in order to confess your name. The just are waiting for me, until you repay me.

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.