Psalms 142

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than me.

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.

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.

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.”