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(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.[a])

A Prayer in Time of Trouble

(A) Don't punish me, Lord,
or even correct me
    when you are angry!
Have pity on me and heal
    my feeble body.
My bones tremble with fear,
and I am in deep distress.
    How long will it be?

Turn and come to my rescue.
Show your wonderful love
    and save me, Lord.
If I die, I cannot praise you
    or even remember you.
My groaning has worn me out.
At night my bed and pillow
    are soaked with tears.
Sorrow has made my eyes dim,
and my sight has failed
    because of my enemies.

(B) You, Lord, heard my crying,
and those hateful people
    had better leave me alone.
You have answered my prayer
    and my plea for mercy.
10 My enemies will be ashamed
    and terrified,
as they quickly run away
    in complete disgrace.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 6 instruments: The Hebrew text adds “according to the sheminith,” which may refer to a musical instrument with eight strings.

A Prayer for Mercy

For the choir director: with stringed instruments, according to Sheminith.(A) A psalm of David.

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger;
do not discipline me in your wrath.(B)
Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am weak;[a](C)
heal me,(D) Lord, for my bones are shaking;(E)
my whole being is shaken with terror.(F)
And you, Lord – how long?(G)

Turn, Lord! Rescue me;
save me because of your faithful love.(H)
For there is no remembrance of you in death;
who can thank you in Sheol?(I)

I am weary from my groaning;(J)
with my tears I dampen my bed
and drench my couch every night.(K)
My eyes are swollen from grief;(L)
they grow old because of all my enemies.

Depart from me, all evildoers,
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.(M)
The Lord has heard my plea for help;(N)
the Lord accepts my prayer.(O)
10 All my enemies will be ashamed and shake with terror;
they will turn back(P) and suddenly be disgraced.(Q)

Footnotes

  1. 6:2 Or sick