[1] O Eternal One, please do not scold me in Your anger; though Your wrath is just, do not correct me in Your fury. [2] The arrows from Your bow have penetrated my flesh; Your hand has come down hard on me. [3] Because Your anger has infected the depths of my being and stolen my health, my flesh is ill. My bones are no longer sound because of all the sins I have committed. [4] My guilt has covered me; it's more than I can handle; this burden is too heavy for me to carry. [5] Now sores cover me-infected and putrid sores, because of all the foolish things I have done. [6] I am bent down, cowering in fear, prostrate on the ground; I spend the day in mourning, guilty tears stinging and burning my eyes. [7] My back aches. I'm full of fever; my body is no longer whole, no longer well. [8] I am completely numb, totally spent, hopelessly crushed. The agitation of my heart makes me groan. [9] O Lord, You know all my desires; nothing escapes You; You hear my every moan. [10] My heart pounds against my chest; my vigor is completely drained; my eyes were once bright, but now the brightness is all gone. [11] Even my friends and loved ones turn away when they see this marked man; those closest to me are no longer close at all. [12] Those who want me dead lay traps upon my path; those who desire my downfall threaten- my end is near- they spend their days plotting against me. [13] Like one who is deaf, my ears do not hear. Like one who is mute, my tongue cannot speak. [14] The truth is this: I am like one who cannot hear; I cannot even protest against them. [15] Still I wait expectantly for You, O Eternal One- knowing You will answer me in some way, O Lord, my True God. [16] I only asked, "When I stumble on the narrow path, don't let them boast or celebrate my failure." [17] I am prepared for what may come; my time must be short; my pain and suffering a constant companion. [18] I confess, "I have sinned," and I regret the wrong I have done. [19] My enemies are alive and well, they are powerful and on the increase, and for no reason, they hate me. [20] When I do good, my opponents reward me with evil; though I pursue what is right, they stand against me. [21] Eternal One, do not leave me to their mercy; my True God, don't be far from me when they are near. [22] I need Your help now-not later. O Lord, be my Rescuer.
