A cry for mercy

when misery is in extremity

Lord, hear my prayer.
Listen to my cry for mercy.
You are faithful and right.
Come and help me.

² Don’t take me to court and judge me,
because in your eyes no living person does what is right.

³ My enemies chase me.
They crush me down to the ground.
They make me live in the darkness
like those who died long ago.

⁴ So I grow weak.
Deep down inside me, I’m afraid.

⁵ I remember what happened long ago.
I spend time thinking about all your acts.
I consider what your hands have done.

⁶ I spread out my hands to you in prayer.
I’m thirsty for you, just as dry ground is thirsty for rain.

⁷ Lord, answer me quickly.
I’m growing weak.
Don’t turn your face away from me,
or I will be like those who go down into the grave.

⁸ In the morning let me hear about your faithful love,
because I’ve put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should live,
because I trust you with my life.

⁹ Lord, save me from my enemies,
because I go to you for safety.

¹⁰ Teach me to do what you want,
because you are my God.
May your good Spirit
lead me on a level path.

¹¹ Lord, bring yourself honour by keeping me alive.
Because you do what is right, get me out of trouble.

¹² Because your love is faithful, put an end to my enemies.
Destroy all of them, because I serve you.