Psalms 142 · The Lantern

I cried unto the Lord with my voice: yea, even unto the Lord did I make my supplication.

I poured out my complaints before him: and shewed him of my trouble.

When my spirit was in heaviness thou knewest my path: in the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

When my spirit was failing within me. If the evil spirit that was choking Saul does not fail from us, the Lord cannot know our paths. And what are the paths of the righteous? Righteousness, good works, an upright life, chastity, self-restraint, and other things like these.

There was a certain old man who used to live in the desert that is called Scete, and he had a disciple who lived with him; now this [latter] brother was adorned with the spiritual excellences of every kind that befit those who are in subjection to old men, and he was exceedingly conspicuous for his obedience, which was the greatest of all his virtues.

"My tribulation I will proclaim in His sight." There is a repetition, both in the two preceding sentences, and in these which follow: the sentiments are two, but both twice expressed. ...For, "in His sight," is the same as "before Him;" "I will proclaim my tribulation," is the same as, "I will pour out my prayer." When doest thou this?

I looked also upon my right hand: and saw there was no man that would know me.

I had no place to flee unto: and no man cared for my soul.

I cried unto thee, O Lord, and said: Thou art my hope, and my portion in the land of the living.

Consider my complaint: for I am brought very low.

O deliver me from my persecutors: for they are too strong for me.

Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks unto thy Name: which thing if thou wilt grant me, then shall the righteous resort unto my company.

Psalms142