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.

A maskil of David, while he was in the cave, a prayer. Loudly I cry to the Lord: to the Lord plead loudly for mercy,

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

I pour my complaint before him, I tell my troubles to him.

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 faint within me, my path is known to you. In the way I am wont to walk in, they have hidden a trap 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 look to the right and the left; but not a friend have I. No place of refuge is left me, not a man to care for me.

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

So I cry to you, O Lord: I say, ‘My refuge are you, all I have 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.

Attend to my piercing cry, for very weak am I. Save me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

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.

Free me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name, for the righteous are patiently waiting till you show your bounty to me.