Psalm 142

Prayer for Help in Trouble.

A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of David; when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

1I cry aloud with my voice to the Lord;
I make supplication with my voice to the Lord.

I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare my trouble before Him.

When my spirit was overwhelmed and weak within me [wrapped in darkness],
You knew my path.
In the way where I walk
They have hidden a trap for me.

Look to the right [the point of attack] and see;
For there is no one who has regard for me [to act in my favor].
Escape has failed me and I have nowhere to run;
No one cares about my life.


I cried out to You, O Lord;
I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.

“Give attention to my cry,
For I am brought very low;
Rescue me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than I.

“Bring my soul out of prison (adversity),
So that I may give thanks and praise Your name;
The righteous will surround me [in triumph],
For You will look after me.”