A Prayer for Mercy

For the choir director: with stringed instruments, according to •Sheminith.a A Davidic psalm.

1LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger;

do not discipline me in Your wrath.b

2Be gracious to me, LORD, for I am weak;c, d

heal me,e LORD, for my bones are shaking;f

3my whole being is shaken with terror.g

And You, LORD — how long?h

4Turn, LORD! Rescue me;

save me because of Your faithful love.i

5For there is no remembrance of You in death;

who can thank You in •Sheol?j

6I am weary from my groaning;k

with my tears I dampen my pillowl

and drench my bed every night.m

7My eyes are swollen from grief;n

theyo grow old because of all my enemies.

8Depart from me, all evildoers,

for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.p

9The LORD has heard my plea for help;q

the LORD accepts my prayer.r

10All my enemies will be ashamed and shake with terror;

they will turn backs and suddenly be disgraced.t