Psalms, chapter 88

(A song and a psalm by the clan of Korah for the music leader. To the tune “Mahalath Leannoth.”Psalm 88 To … Leannoth: Or “For the flutes,” one possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text. A special psalm by Heman the Ezrahite 88 Title clan of Korah … Heman the Ezrahite: See the note at 42 Title (Korah). Heman was appointed by David to help in leading worship in the sacred tent and later at the temple (1 Chr 16.41,42; 25.1-8)..)

A Prayer When You Can't Find the Way

ou keep me safe, Lord God.

So when I pray at night,

2please listen carefully to each of my concerns.

You keep me safe, Lord God. So when I pray at night, please listen carefully to each of my concerns.

— Ps 88.1,2

3I am deeply troubled and close to death;

Artwork

4I am as good as dead and completely helpless.

5I am no better off than those in the grave,

those you have forgotten and no longer help.

6You have put me in the deepest and darkest grave;

7your anger rolls over me like ocean waves.

8You have made my friends turn in horror from me.

I am a prisoner who cannot escape,

9and I am almost blind because of my sorrow.

Each day I lift my hands in prayer to you, Lord.

10Do you work miracles for the dead?

Do they stand up and praise you?

11Are your love and loyalty announced

in the world of the dead?

12Do they know of your miracles or your saving power

in the dark world below where all is forgotten?

13Each morning I pray to you, Lord.

14Why do you reject me? Why do you turn from me?

15Ever since I was a child,

I have been sick and close to death.

You have terrified me and made me helpless.

16Your anger is like a flood!

And I am shattered by your furious attacks

17that strike each day and from every side.

18My friends and neighbors

have turned against me because of you,

and now darkness is my only companion.