Psalms 87; Psalms 88

1 The LORD has built his city on the holy mountain.

2 He loves the city of Zion more than all of the other places where the people of Jacob live.

3 City of God, the LORD says glorious things about you. "Selah"

4 He says, "I will include Egypt and Babylon in a list of those who recognize me as king. I will also include Philistia and Tyre, along with Cush. I will say about them, 'They were born in Zion.' "

5 Certainly it will be said about Zion, "This nation and that nation were born in her. The Most High God himself will make her secure."

6 Here is what the LORD will write in his list of the nations. "Each of them was born in Zion." "Selah"

7 As they make music they will sing, "Zion, all of our blessings come from you."

1 Lord, you are the God who saves me. Day and night I cry out to you.

2 Please hear my prayer. Pay attention to my cry for help.

3 I have so many troubles I'm about to die.

4 People think my life is over. I'm like someone who doesn't have any strength.

5 People treat me as if I were dead. I'm like those who have been killed and are now in the grave. You don't even remember them anymore. They are cut off from your care.

6 It seems as if you have put me deep down in the grave, that deep and dark place.

7 Your burning anger lies heavy on me. All the waves of your anger have crashed over me. "Selah"

8 You have taken my closest friends away from me. You have made me sickening to them. I feel trapped. I can't escape.

9 I'm crying so much I can't see very well. Lord, I call out to you every day. I lift up my hands to you in prayer.

10 Do you work miracles for those who are dead? Do dead people rise up and praise you? "Selah"

11 Do those who are dead speak about your love? Do those who are in the grave tell how faithful you are?

12 Are your miracles known in that dark place? Are your holy acts known in that land where the dead are forgotten?

13 Lord, I cry out to you for help. In the morning I pray to you.

14 Lord, why do you say no to me? Why do you turn your face away from me?

15 I've been in pain ever since I was young. I've been close to death. You have made me suffer terrible things. I have lost all hope.

16 Your burning anger has swept over me. Your terrors have destroyed me.

17 All day long they surround me like a flood. They have closed in all around me.

18 You have taken my companions and loved ones away from me. The darkness is my closest friend.