The Lord Hears the Afflicted

Jonah 2:2-7

saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice.

For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me.

At this, I said, ‘I have been banished from Your sight; yet I will look once more toward Your holy temple.’

The waters engulfed me to take my life; the watery depths closed around me; the seaweed wrapped around my head.

To the roots of the mountains I descended; the earth beneath me barred me in forever! But You raised my life from the pit, O LORD my God!

As my life was fading away, I remembered the LORD. My prayer went up to You, to Your holy temple.