[1] O Jehovah, God of my salvation, I have wept before you day and night. [2] Now hear my prayers; oh, listen to my cry, [3] for my life is full of troubles, and death draws near. [4] They say my life is ebbing out-a hopeless case. [5] They have left me here to die, like those slain on battlefields from whom your mercies are removed. [6] You have thrust me down to the darkest depths. [7] Your wrath lies heavy on me; wave after wave engulfs me. [8] You have made my friends to loathe me, and they have gone away. I am in a trap with no way out. [9] My eyes grow dim with weeping. Each day I beg your help; O Lord, I reach my pleading hands to you for mercy. [10] Soon it will be too late! Of what use are your miracles when I am in the grave? How can I praise you then? [11] Can those in the grave declare your loving-kindness? Can they proclaim your faithfulness? [12] Can the darkness speak of your miracles? Can anyone in the Land of Forgetfulness talk about your help? [13] O Lord, I plead for my life and will keep on pleading day by day. [14] O Jehovah, why have you thrown my life away? Why are you turning your face from me and looking the other way? [15] From my youth I have been sickly and ready to die. I stand helpless before your terrors. [16] Your fierce wrath has overwhelmed me. Your terrors have cut me off. [17] They flow around me all day long. [18] Lover, friend, acquaintance-all are gone. There is only darkness everywhere.
