A Direct Appeal to God

Job 13:20-28

"Only grant two things to me, God; then I won't hide myself from your face -

take your hand away from me, and don't let fear of you frighten me.

Then, if you call, I will answer. Or let me speak, and you, answer me!

How many crimes and sins have I committed? Make me know my transgression and sin.

Why do you hide your face and think of me as your enemy?

Do you want to harass a wind-driven leaf? do you want to pursue a dry straw?

Is this why you draw up bitter charges against me and punish me for the faults of my youth?

You put my feet in the stocks, you watch me closely wherever I go, you trace out each footprint of mine

though [my body] decays like something rotten or like a moth-eaten garment.