Psalm 142

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.