Jacob was frightened and worried. He divided into two groups the people who were with him, and also his sheep, goats, cattle, and camels.

Then Jacob prayed, "God of my grandfather Abraham and God of my father Isaac, hear me! You told me, LORD, to go back to my land and to my relatives, and you would make everything go well for me.

Save me, I pray, from my brother Esau. I am afraid---afraid that he is coming to attack us and destroy us all, even the women and children.

but he stayed behind, alone. Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak.

The man said, "Let me go; daylight is coming." "I won't, unless you bless me," Jacob answered.

The man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel."

David was now in great trouble, because his men were all very bitter about losing their children, and they were threatening to stone him; but the LORD his God gave him courage.

Answer me when I pray, O God, my defender! When I was in trouble, you helped me. Be kind to me now and hear my prayer.

The danger of death was all around me; the waves of destruction rolled over me.

In my trouble I called to the LORD; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.

He does not neglect the poor or ignore their suffering; he does not turn away from them, but answers when they call for help."

The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles.

because you answer prayers. People everywhere will come to you

When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD, and he answered me.

I call to the LORD for help; I plead with him.

When I am ready to give up, he knows what I should do. In the path where I walk, my enemies have hidden a trap for me.

In great anguish he prayed even more fervently; his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him.

Don't think I am a worthless woman. I have been praying like this because I'm so miserable."

The danger of death was around me, and the grave set its trap for me.

In my trouble I called to the LORD; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.

In despair and far from home I call to you! Take me to a safe refuge,

How great is your constant love for me! You have saved me from the grave itself.

LORD God, my savior, I cry out all day, and at night I come before you.

So many troubles have fallen on me that I am close to death.

I am abandoned among the dead; I am like the slain lying in their graves, those you have forgotten completely, who are beyond your help.

Your anger lies heavy on me, and I am crushed beneath its waves.

The danger of death was all around me; the horrors of the grave closed in on me; I was filled with fear and anxiety.

because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead.

"The world of the dead is getting ready to welcome the king of Babylon. The ghosts of those who were powerful on earth are stirring about. The ghosts of kings are rising from their thrones.

In the same way that Jonah spent three days and nights in the big fish, so will the Son of Man spend three days and nights in the depths of the earth.

because you will not abandon me in the world of the dead; you will not allow your faithful servant to rot in the grave.

The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles.

because you answer prayers. People everywhere will come to you