Captive's Prayer

O God, I am in a dungeon. I am in a dank, musty cave. I am hundreds of feet below the world. It is as dark as death here. My heavy shackles bruise and tear my skin. I am weak from hunger and weeping. Chills and soul-pain rack my body. I can hardly breathe; my life trembles. I lay down in the depths and from here I cry out to You, O Lord.

O Lord, rescue me! Rescue me as You did Your servant Joseph, as You did Your servant David. Show me Your faithfulness! Free me today from the chains that bind my hands! Let me see the sky; surround me with warm light! Let me breathe the fresh air again; feed me and give me rest. Heal my wounds, wipe away my tears, make my heart whole! Show me how to enjoy Your goodness, and teach me how to laugh once more. Only You can restore my soul; only You can create a clean heart in me, and renew within me a steadfast spirit.

Have mercy on me, O God Most High, according to Your unfailing love and the riches of Your grace! Have mercy on me!