Psalms 142 · The Lantern

A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for grace to the LORD.

I Lift My Voice to the LORD

I pour out my complaint before him; I declare my distress before him.

When my spirit faints upon me, you yourself have known my path. In the way where I walk they have hidden a snare for me.

In this way in which I was walking, they have hidden a snare for me. The vices are near to the virtues. In whatever way anyone wishes to walk, in that way they set snares: whether in fasting, or in almsgiving, or in the other virtues.

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?

Look to the right and see — there is no one who recognizes me; a place of escape has perished from me; there is no one who seeks for my soul.

I cried out to you, LORD; I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

Attend to my ringing cry, for I am brought very low. Deliver me from my pursuers, for they are stronger than I.

Bring my soul out of confinement, to give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.

Psalms142

I Lift My Voice to the LORD