The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
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.
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LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
2 But don't, please don't, haul me into court; not a person alive would be acquitted there.
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Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.
3 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.
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The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead.
4 I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away, my heart heavy, like lead.
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So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remembered the old days, went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,
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I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
6 Stretched out my hands to you, as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.
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I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.
7 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.
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Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 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.
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Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
9 Save me from my enemies, God - you're my only hope!
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Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland.
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Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 Keep up your reputation, God - give me life! In your justice, get me out of this trouble!
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For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your great love, vanquish my enemies; make a clean sweep of those who harass me. And why? Because I'm your servant.
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In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
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.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.