Psalm 142-143

Contemporary English Version

(A special psalm and a prayer by David when he was in the cave.)

A Prayer for Help

¹^(A) I pray to you, Lord.
    I beg for mercy.
²I tell you all my worries
    and my troubles,
³and whenever I feel low,
    you are there to guide me.

A trap has been hidden
    along my pathway.
⁴Even if you look,
    you won't see anyone
who cares enough
    to walk beside me.
There is no place to hide,
    and no one who really cares.

⁵I pray to you, Lord!
    You are my place of safety,
and you are my choice
    in the land of the living.
Please answer my prayer.
    I am completely helpless.

⁶Help! They are chasing me,
    and they are too strong.
⁷Rescue me from this prison,
    so I can praise your name.
And when your people notice
your wonderful kindness to me,
    they will rush to my side.

(A psalm by David.)

A Prayer in Time of Danger

¹Listen, Lord, as I pray!
You are faithful and honest
    and will answer my prayer.
²^(B) I am your servant.
    Don't try me in your court,
because no one is innocent
    by your standards.
³My enemies are chasing me,
    crushing me in the ground.
I am in total darkness,
    like someone long dead.
⁴I have given up hope,
    and I feel numb all over.

⁵I remember to think about
the many things you did
in years gone by.
⁶Then I lift my hands in prayer,
because my soul is a desert,
thirsty for water from you.

⁷Please hurry, Lord,
and answer my prayer.
    I feel hopeless.
Don't turn away
    and leave me here to die.
⁸Each morning let me learn
more about your love
    because I trust you.
I come to you in prayer,
    asking for your guidance.

⁹Please rescue me
from my enemies, Lord!
    I come to you for safety.^[a]
¹⁰You are my God. Show me
    what you want me to do,
and let your gentle Spirit
    lead me in the right path.

¹¹Be true to your name, Lord,
    and keep my life safe.
Use your saving power
    to protect me from trouble.
¹²I am your servant.
Show how much you love me
    by destroying my enemies.