Psalm 88 (87)
Prayer of the sick person close to death. It would seem that knowing Christ, we cannot sink into despair. There are, however, days when heaven is closed for us as it was for Jesus in his agony.
2 O Lord, my God, I call for help by day; before you I cry out by night.
3 May my prayer come to you; incline your ear to my cry for help.
4 My soul is deeply troubled; my life draws near to the grave.
5 I am like those without strength.
Counted among those going down into the pit –
6 I lie forsaken among the dead, like those lying in the grave, like those you remember no more, cut off from your care.
7 You have plunged me into the darkest depths of the pit.
8 With your wrath heavy upon me, you have battered me with
all your waves.
9 You have taken away my closest friends; you have made me repulsive to them. I cannot escape from my confinement.
10 My eyes have grown dim with grief; spreading out my hands to you, I call upon you every day, O Lord.
11 Are your wonders meant for the dead? Will ghosts rise to give you thanks?
12 Is your love and faithfulness remembered among those gone to the netherworld?
13 Are your wonders known in the dark, your salvation in the land of oblivion?
14 But to you, O Lord, I cry for help; every morning I pray to you.
15 O Lord, why do you reject me, why do you hide your face?
16 Afflicted and close to death from youth, I have suffered terrors and helplessness.
17 Your wrath has swept over me; your assaults have destroyed me.
18 Now they surround me like a flood; and completely engulf me.
19 Bereft of loved ones and now a lone, only darkness is my companion.