Psalms 142

1 [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.

Maschil. Of David. A prayer when he was in the hole of the rock. The sound of my cry went up to the Lord; with my voice I made my prayer for grace to the Lord.

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

I put all my sorrows before him; and made clear to him all my trouble.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my path. In the way in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.

When my spirit is overcome, your eyes are on my goings; nets have been secretly placed in the way in which I go.

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.

Looking to my right side, I saw no man who was my friend: I had no safe place; no one had any care for my soul.

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

I have made my cry to you, O Lord; I have said, You are my safe place, and my heritage 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 stronger than me.

Give ear to my cry, for I am made very low: take me out of the hands of my haters, 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.

Take my soul out of prison, so that I may give praise to your name: the upright will give praise because of me; for you have given me a full reward.