Psalms 142

1 A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I call out to the Lord for help; pleading with the Lord for mercy.

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.

2 I pour out my complaints before him; I tell him what's troubling me.

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

3 When I'm totally discouraged, you know the direction I should take. But whichever way I go, people set traps for me.

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.

4 I look to my right for someone to support me—but no one pays me any attention. There's no safe place for me—no one cares about me at all.

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.

5 I cry out to you, Lord, for help, saying, “You are the one who keeps me safe; you are all I need in life.

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

6 Please listen to my sad cry, for I'm feeling very low. Please save me from those who are after me, for they're too strong for me.

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

7 Release me from my prison so I can praise you for the person you are! Those who live right will gather round me because you have treated me so well.”

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