Study Desk

I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot.

I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.

But I am trusting you, O Lord , saying, "You are my God!"

In panic I cried out, "I am cut off from the Lord !" But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.

They repay me evil for good. I am sick with despair.

But they are glad now that I am in trouble; they gleefully join together against me. I am attacked by people I don't even know; they slander me constantly.

Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.

I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief.

I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.

My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind.

But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.

For I am waiting for you, O Lord . You must answer for me, O Lord my God.

I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain.

But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

I am silent before you; I won't say a word, for my punishment is from you.

But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.

Hear my prayer, O Lord ! Listen to my cries for help! Don't ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.

Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.

As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.

You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever.