Psalm 6

A PRAYER FOR MERCY

For the choir director: with stringed instruments, according to Sheminith.a A psalm of David.

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger;

do not discipline me in your wrath.b

2 Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am weak;A,c

heal me,d Lord, for my bones are shaking;e

3 my whole being is shaken with terror.f

And you, Lord—how long?g

4 Turn, Lord! Rescue me;

save me because of your faithful love.h

5 For there is no remembrance of you in death;

who can thank you in Sheol?i

6 I am weary from my groaning;j

with my tears I dampen my bed

and drench my couch every night.k

7 My eyes are swollen from grief;l

they grow old because of all my enemies.

8 Depart from me, all evildoers,

for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.m

9 The Lord has heard my plea for help;n

the Lord accepts my prayer.o

10 All my enemies will be ashamed and shake with terror;

they will turn backp and suddenly be disgraced.q