Add parallel Print Page Options

A Prayer for Mercy in Troubled Times

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Upon the sheminith. A psalm of David.

Lord, don’t correct me when you are angry;
    don’t punish me when you are very angry.
Lord, have mercy on me because I am weak.
    Heal me, Lord, because my bones ache.
I am very upset.
    Lord, how long will it be?

Lord, return and save me;
    save me because of your kindness.
Dead people don’t remember you;
    those in the grave don’t praise you.

I am tired of crying to you.
    Every night my bed is wet with tears;
    my bed is soaked from my crying.
My eyes are weak from so much crying;
    they are weak from crying about my enemies.

Get away from me, all you who do evil,
    because the Lord has heard my crying.
The Lord has heard my cry for help;
    the Lord will answer my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be ashamed and troubled.
    They will turn and suddenly leave in shame.

O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?

Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.

The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.