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.

“A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.” With my voice I cry unto the Lord: with my voice I make supplication unto the Lord.

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

I pour out before him my grief: my distress I recite before him.

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.

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me—and thou knowest well my path—on the way whereon I desired to walk they had secretly laid 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.

Look to the right, and behold, yea, there is no man that recognizeth me: [every] refuge is lost to me; there is no one that careth 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 unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of life.

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

Listen unto my entreaty; for I am very miserable: deliver me from my pursuers; for they are too mighty for 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.

Bring forth out of prison my soul, that I may thank thy name: with me shall the righteous crown themselves, when thou wilt deal bountifully with me.