1    I cry aloud to the Lord;  ♦

to the Lord I make my supplication.

2    I pour out my complaint before him  ♦

and tell him of my trouble.

3    When my spirit faints within me, you know my path;  ♦

in the way wherein I walk have they laid a snare for me.

4    I look to my right hand, and find no one who knows me;  ♦

I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for my soul.

5    I cry out to you, O Lord, and say:  ♦

‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.

6    ‘Listen to my cry, for I am brought very low;  ♦

save me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.

7    ‘Bring my soul out of prison,

    that I may give thanks to your name;  ♦

when you have dealt bountifully with me,

    then shall the righteous gather around me.’

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000 and published by Church House Publishing.