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.

I cried to the LORD with my voice; with my voice to the LORD did I make my supplication.

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

I poured out my complaint before him; I showed before him my trouble.

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

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privately laid 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 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 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 to you, O LORD: I said, You are my refuge and 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 cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

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.”

Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise your name: the righteous shall compass me about; for you shall deal bountifully with me.