The Complete Jewish Bible CJB
The Message Bible MSG
1 A psalm of David: ADONAI, hear my prayer; listen to my pleas for mercy. In your faithfulness, answer me, and in your righteousness.
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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 Don't bring your servant to trial, since in your sight no one alive would be considered righteous.
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But don't, please don't, haul me into court; not a person alive would be acquitted there.
3 For an enemy is pursuing me; he has crushed my life into the ground and left me to live in darkness, like those who have been long dead.
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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 faints within me; my heart is appalled within me.
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I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away, my heart heavy, like lead.
5 I remember the days of old, reflecting on all your deeds, thinking about the work of your hands.
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I remembered the old days, went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,
6 I spread out my hands to you, I long for you like a thirsty land. (Selah)
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Stretched out my hands to you, as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.
7 Answer me quickly, ADONAI, because my spirit is fainting. Don't hide your face from me, or I'll be like those who drop down into a 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 Make me hear of your love in the morning, because I rely on you. Make me know the way I should walk, because I entrust myself 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 ADONAI, rescue me from my enemies; I have hidden myself with you.
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Save me from my enemies, God - you're my only hope!
10 Teach me to do your will, because you are my God; Let your good Spirit guide me on ground that is level.
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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 For your name's sake, ADONAI, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of distress.
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Keep up your reputation, God - give me life! In your justice, get me out of this trouble!
12 In your grace, cut off my enemies; destroy all those harassing me; because I am your servant.
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In your great love, vanquish my enemies; make a clean sweep of those who harass me. And why? Because I'm your servant.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.