Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

⁹ Lord, have mercy on me. I’m in deep trouble.
    I’m so sad I can hardly see.
    My whole body grows weak with sadness.
¹⁰ Pain has taken over my life.
    My years are spent in groaning.
I have no strength because I’m hurting so much.
    My body is getting weaker and weaker.
¹¹ My neighbors make fun of me
    because I have so many enemies.
My closest friends are afraid of me.
    People who see me on the street run away from me.
¹² No one remembers me. I might as well be dead.
    I have become like broken pottery.
¹³ I hear many people whispering,
    “There is terror all around him!”
Many have joined together against me.
    They plan to kill me.

¹⁴ But I trust in you, Lord.
    I say, “You are my God.”
¹⁵ My whole life is in your hands.
    Save me from the hands of my enemies.
    Save me from those who are chasing me.
¹⁶ May you look on me with favor.
    Save me because your love is faithful.

¹³ “So be quiet and let me speak.
    Then I won’t care what happens to me.
¹⁴ Why do I put myself in danger?
    Why do I take my life in my hands?
¹⁵ Even if God kills me, I’ll still put my hope in him.
    I’ll argue my case in front of him.
¹⁶ No matter how things turn out,
    I’m sure I’ll still be saved.
After all, no ungodly person
    would dare to come into his court.
¹⁷ Listen carefully to what I’m saying.
    Pay close attention to my words.
¹⁸ I’ve prepared my case.
    And I know I’ll be proved right.
¹⁹ Can others bring charges against me?
    If they can, I’ll keep quiet and die.