[1] You keep me safe, LORD God. So when I pray at night, [2] please listen carefully to each of my concerns. [3] I am deeply troubled and close to death; [4] I am as good as dead and completely helpless. [5] I am no better off than those in the grave, those you have forgotten and no longer help. [6] You have put me in the deepest and darkest grave; [7] your anger rolls over me like ocean waves. [8] You have made my friends turn in horror from me. I am a prisoner who cannot escape, [9] and I am almost blind because of my sorrow. Each day I lift my hands in prayer to you, LORD. [10] Do you work miracles for the dead? Do they stand up and praise you? [11] Are your love and loyalty announced in the world of the dead? [12] Do they know of your miracles or your saving power in the dark world below where all is forgotten? [13] Each morning I pray to you, LORD. [14] Why do you reject me? Why do you turn from me? [15] Ever since I was a child, I have been sick and close to death. You have terrified me and made me helpless. [16] Your anger is like a flood! And I am shattered by your furious attacks [17] that strike each day and from every side. [18] My friends and neighbors have turned against me because of you, and now darkness is my only companion.
