Psalms 69:1-3, 13-18, 29-31, 33-34

God, God, save me! I’m in over my head, Quicksand under me, swamp water over me; I’m going down for the third time. I’m hoarse from calling for help, Bleary-eyed from searching the sky for God.

And me? I pray. GOD, it’s time for a break! God, answer in love! Answer with your sure salvation! Rescue me from the swamp, Don’t let me go under for good, Pull me out of the clutch of the enemy; This whirlpool is sucking me down. Don’t let the swamp be my grave, the Black Hole Swallow me, its jaws clenched around me. Now answer me, GOD, because you love me; Let me see your great mercy full-face. Don’t look the other way; your servant can’t take it. I’m in trouble. Answer right now! Come close, God; get me out of here. Rescue me from this deathtrap.

I’m hurt and in pain; Give me space for healing, and mountain air. Let me shout God’s name with a praising song, Let me tell his greatness in a prayer of thanks. For GOD, this is better than oxen on the altar, Far better than blue-ribbon bulls.

For GOD listens to the poor, He doesn’t walk out on the wretched. You heavens, praise him; praise him, earth; Also ocean and all things that swim in it.