Bible – Bible Society in South Sudan

(A song and a psalm by the clan of Korah for the music leader. To the tune “Mahalath Leannoth.” A special psalm by Heman the Ezrahite.)

A Prayer When You Can't Find the Way

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.