[1] While Jonah was in the stomach of the fish, he prayed to the LORD his God. He said, [2] "I was in very bad trouble. I called to the LORD for help, and he answered me. I was deep in the grave. I cried to you, and you heard my voice. [3] "You threw me into the sea. Your powerful waves splashed over me. I went down, down into the deep sea. The water was all around me. [4] Then I thought, 'Now I must go where you cannot see me,' but I continued looking to your holy Temple for help. [5] "The seawater closed over me. The water covered my mouth, and I could not breathe. I went down, down into the deep sea. Seaweed wrapped around my head. [6] I was at the bottom of the sea, the place where the mountains begin. I thought I was locked in this prison forever, but the LORD my God took me out of my grave. God, you gave me life again! [7] "My soul gave up all hope, but then I remembered the LORD. I prayed to you, and you heard my prayers in your holy Temple. [8] "Some people worship useless idols, but those statues never help them. [9] I will give sacrifices to you, and I will praise and thank you. I will make special promises to you, and I will do what I promise." Salvation only comes from the LORD! [10] Then the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out of its stomach onto the dry land.
