Waiata 142

1 He Makiri na Rawiri; he inoi i a ia i roto i te ana. He karanga ta toku reo ki a Ihowa; he inoi ta toku reo ki a Ihowa.

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 Horahia ana taku inoi ki tona aroaro; whakaaturia ana e ahau toku mate ki tona aroaro.

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

3 I te ngaromanga o toku wairua i roto i ahau i matau koe ki toku ara: kua whakatakotoria pukutia e ratou te mahanga moku i te ara i haere ai ahau.

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 Titiro ki toku taha matau, kia kite; kahore hoki tetahi tangata e mohio ana ki ahau; kahore he piringa moku; kahore tetahi e mahara ana ki toku wairua.

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 karanga ahau ki a koe, e Ihowa: i mea, Ko koe toku piringa, toku wahi i te whenua o te hunga ora.

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

6 Tahuri mai ki taku karanga: kua whakaititia rawatia hoki ahau: whakaorangia ahau i oku kaitukino: he kaha rawa hoki ratou i ahau.

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

7 Whakaputaina toku wairua i te herehere, kia whakamoemiti ai ahau ki tou ingoa: ka karapotia ahau e te hunga tika; nou ka atawhai nei i ahau.

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