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A Prayer for Help

130 From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord.
Hear my cry, O Lord;
    listen to my call for help!
If you kept a record of our sins,
    who could escape being condemned?
But you forgive us,
    so that we should stand in awe of you.

I wait eagerly for the Lord's help,
    and in his word I trust.
I wait for the Lord
    more eagerly than sentries wait for the dawn—
    than sentries wait for the dawn.

Israel, trust in the Lord,
    because his love is constant
    and he is always willing to save.
(A)He will save his people Israel
    from all their sins.

130 1-2 Help, God—I’ve hit rock bottom!
    Master, hear my cry for help!
Listen hard! Open your ears!
    Listen to my cries for mercy.

3-4 If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings,
    who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
    and that’s why you’re worshiped.

5-6 I pray to God—my life a prayer—
    and wait for what he’ll say and do.
My life’s on the line before God, my Lord,
    waiting and watching till morning,
    waiting and watching till morning.

7-8 O Israel, wait and watch for God
    with God’s arrival comes love,
    with God’s arrival comes generous redemption.
No doubt about it—he’ll redeem Israel,
    buy back Israel from captivity to sin.