Psalm chapter 69tag:/www.standrewscentre.org.nz,2026-09-08:202609082026-09-08T05:28:17+00:00tag:/www.standrewscentre.org.nz,2026-09-08:202609082026-09-08T05:28:17+00:00

Save me, O God! The water is up to my neck; I am sinking in deep mud, and there is no solid ground; I am out in deep water, and the waves are about to drown me. I am worn out from calling for help, and my throat is aching. I have strained my eyes, looking for your help. Those who hate me for no reason are more numerous than the hairs of my head. My enemies tell lies against me; they are strong and want to kill me. They made me give back things I did not steal. My sins, O God, are not hidden from you; you know how foolish I have been. Don't let me bring shame on those who trust in you, Sovereign LORD Almighty! Don't let me bring disgrace to those who worship you, O God of Israel! It is for your sake that I have been insulted and that I am covered with shame. I am like a stranger to my relatives, like a foreigner to my family. My devotion to your Temple burns in me like a fire; the insults which are hurled at you fall on me. I humble myself by fasting, and people insult me; I dress myself in clothes of mourning, and they laugh at me. They talk about me in the streets, and drunkards make up songs about me. But as for me, I will pray to you, LORD; answer me, God, at a time you choose. Answer me because of your great love, because you keep your promise to save. Save me from sinking in the mud; keep me safe from my enemies, safe from the deep water. Don't let the flood come over me; don't let me drown in the depths or sink into the grave. Answer me, LORD, in the goodness of your constant love; in your great compassion turn to me! Don't hide yourself from your servant; I am in great trouble---answer me now! Come to me and save me; rescue me from my enemies. You know how I am insulted, how I am disgraced and dishonored; you see all my enemies. Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I had hoped for sympathy, but there was none; for comfort, but I found none. When I was hungry, they gave me poison; when I was thirsty, they offered me vinegar. May their banquets cause their ruin; may their sacred feasts cause their downfall. Strike them with blindness! Make their backs always weak! Pour out your anger on them; let your indignation overtake them. May their camps be left deserted; may no one be left alive in their tents. They persecute those whom you have punished; they talk about the sufferings of those you have wounded. Keep a record of all their sins; don't let them have any part in your salvation. May their names be erased from the book of the living; may they not be included in the list of your people. But I am in pain and despair; lift me up, O God, and save me! I will praise God with a song; I will proclaim his greatness by giving him thanks. This will please the LORD more than offering him cattle, more than sacrificing a full-grown bull. When the oppressed see this, they will be glad; those who worship God will be encouraged. The LORD listens to those in need and does not forget his people in prison. Praise God, O heaven and earth, seas and all creatures in them. He will save Jerusalem and rebuild the towns of Judah. His people will live there and possess the land; the descendants of his servants will inherit it, and those who love him will live there.

St Andrew's Centre Waiukuadmin@/www.standrewscentre.org.nz