Psalm 6: A Sinner’s Prayer of Distress

11 But

Let all those who take refuge in you rejoice;

Let them sing for joy forever.

Shelter them;a

Let those who love your name rejoice in you. 12 For you, O L, bless the godly person;b You surround them with your favor like a shield.

Psalm 6

A Sinner’s Prayer of Distress

A psalm of David. To the music director: accompanied by stringed instruments. According to sheminith. 1 O L, Do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O L, for I am frail.

L, Heal me, for my bones are in agony, and 3 my soul is so troubled.

L, How long until you act? 4 L, Turn to me; Rescue my soul; Save me according to your lovingkindness, 5 For no one remembers you, O Lord, when they are dead.c (Who gives praise to you from the grave?) 6 I am tired of my groaning. Every night my bed swims in tears—I’m dissolving my couch in tears! 7 My eyes are blurredd from weeping because of my grief, worn out because of all my enemies. 8 Get away from me, all you who do evil,

For

The L has heard the sound of my weeping; 9 The L has heard my supplication;

The L will receive my prayer. 10 All my enemies will be ashamed and deeply troubled.

They will turn back suddenly, in shame.

a Literally, “Cover them.” b Or “the righteous person. ” c Literally, “There is no remembrance of you in death.” d Literally, “My eyes waste away.”