Psalm 142 is a prayer that teaches us how to pray when we feel trapped and alone, with no way of escape from the darkness of overwhelming trials. This psalm is a complaint that David makes to God when he was forced by Saul to take shelter in a cave. David complains to God about the elusiveness, strength, and malice of his enemies and the coldness and indifference of his friends. Psalm 57 they say was written by David when he was in the cave.
Psalm 142:1-7 NIV>
“A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.
” I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before Him, I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.