Jonah's Prayer

In my distress I called to the Lord, 

and he answered me. 

From the depths of the grave I called for help, 

and you listened to my cry.

You hurled me into the deep,

into the very heart of the seas,

and the currents swirled about me;

all your waves and breakers

swept over me.

I said, 'I have been banished

from your sight;

yet I will look again 

toward your holy temple.'

The engulfing waters threatened me,

the deep surrounded me;

seaweed was wrapped around my head.

To the roots of the mountains I sank down;

the earth beneath barred me in forever.

But you brought my life up from the pit,

O Lord my God.

"When my life was ebbing away,

I remembered you, Lord,

and my prayer rose to you,

to your holy temple."

"Those who cling to worthless idols

forfeit the grave that could be theirs.

But I, with a song of thanksgiving,

will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

Salvation comes from the Lord."

Jonah 2:2-9