I cry aloud to you, LORD;

Listen, please.

Have mercy, please.

I complain a lot, I know,

but please be patient

while I tell you my troubles again.

As weary as I get,

I know you know my way.

You see the traps

that are hidden in my path.

You discern how, on my left and right,

are dangers and unkind people.

But there are many others, O LORD,

who love me

and seek my good.

There are many others

who will not abandon me

or stab me in the back.

There are many others

who will be faithful,

and kind,

and forgiving.

And, most importantly,

You are my refuge,

You are my portion while I live.

You see my desperate

You see my frequent needs;

You rescue me from false friend’s,

You rescue needs from the deceitful

You rescue me from grudge-holding people.

Please Set me free day by day

I plead moment by moment

I want to praise Your name

I forget You so easily

I want to worship You with my life,

Psalms 142 paraphrased