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

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

I pour my complaint before him, I tell my troubles to 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 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 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 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 karanga ahau ki a koe, e Ihowa: i mea, Ko koe toku piringa, toku wahi i te whenua o te hunga ora.

So I cry to you, O Lord: I say, ‘My refuge are you, all I have 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 piercing cry, for very weak am I. Save me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong 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.

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.