Common English Bible CEB
The Message Bible MSG
1 Listen to my prayer, LORD! Because of your faithfulness, hear my requests for mercy! Because of your righteousness, answer me!
1
Listen to this prayer of mine, God; pay attention to what I'm asking. Answer me - you're famous for your answers! Do what's right for me.
2 Please don't bring your servant to judgment, because no living thing is righteous before you.
2
But don't, please don't, haul me into court; not a person alive would be acquitted there.
3 The enemy is chasing me, crushing my life in the dirt, forcing me to live in the dark like those who've been dead forever.
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The enemy hunted me down; he kicked me and stomped me within an inch of my life. He put me in a black hole, buried me like a corpse in that dungeon.
4 My spirit is weak inside me— inside, my mind is numb.
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I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away, my heart heavy, like lead.
5 I remember the days long past; I meditate on all your deeds; I contemplate your handiwork.
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I remembered the old days, went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,
6 I stretch out my hands to you; my whole being is like dry dirt, thirsting for you. Selah
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Stretched out my hands to you, as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.
7 Answer me, LORD—and quickly! My breath is fading. Don't hide your face from me or I'll be like those going down to the pit!
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Hurry with your answer, God! I'm nearly at the end of my rope. Don't turn away; don't ignore me! That would be certain death.
8 Tell me all about your faithful love come morning time, because I trust you. Show me the way I should go, because I offer my life up to you.
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If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I'm all ears, all eyes before you.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, LORD! I seek protection from you.
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Save me from my enemies, God - you're my only hope!
10 Teach me to do what pleases you, because you are my God. Guide me by your good spirit into good land.
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Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland.
11 Make me live again, LORD, for your name's sake. Bring me out of distress because of your righteousness.
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Keep up your reputation, God - give me life! In your justice, get me out of this trouble!
12 Wipe out my enemies because of your faithful love. Destroy everyone who attacks me, because I am your servant.
12
In your great love, vanquish my enemies; make a clean sweep of those who harass me. And why? Because I'm your servant.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.