USB ~ Psalms 13

Prayer for Help

1 For the leader. A psalm of David.

2 How long, LORD? Will you utterly forget me? How long will you hide your face from me? a

3 How long must I carry sorrow in my soul, grief in my heart day after day? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

4 Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death,

5 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed,” lest my foes rejoice at my downfall. b

III

6 But I trust in your mercy. Grant my heart joy in your salvation, I will sing to the LORD, for he has dealt bountifully with me! c

Footnotes

†. Psalm 13 A typical lament, in which the psalmist feels forgotten by God (Ps 13:2-3)—note the force of the repetition of “How long.” The references to enemies may suggest some have wished evil on the psalmist. The heartfelt prayer (Ps 13:4-5) passes on a statement of trust (Ps 13:6a), intended to reinforce the prayer, and a vow to thank God when deliverance has come (Ps 13:6b).

13:2 Ps 6:4; 44:25; 77:8; 79:5; 89:47; 94:3; Lam 5:20.
13:5 Ps 38:17.
13:6 Ps 116:7.