This exegetical poem is based on Psalm 31:9-18.
Lend me grace in my distress;
my eyes are flooded with grief, —
it is my soul’s abscess.
Grant me, Lord, my relief.
For sorrow squanders my life;
time counts my years spent aching.
My sins cause my strength strife,
my bones slowly breaking.
My enemies bring me to failure;
I am the object of their disdain.
They regard me with hate major;
my honour they only feign.
I hear all their rumours
and see their sideways glancing,
scheming with ill humour,
their plot quickly advancing.
But I trust in You, O God my Lord;
I confess, “You are my Defender.”
My days are guarded by Your angelic horde.
Rescue me from the Great Offender!
May You shine upon me Your favour;
I desire the mercy of Your face!
Let the wicked face their failure;
let them suffer the wrath of Your mace.
Let their lying lips be made silent,
who bring slander against Your saints.
Grant them their quest for Your contempt;
release Your judgement from constraint.
The Lutheran Column 