my god my god i cry to thee o why have you forsaken me afar from me you do not heed though day and night for help i plead but you are holy in your ways enthroned upon your people s praise our fathers put their trust in thee believed and you died set them free they cried and trusting in your name were saved and were not put to shame but in the dust my honor lies while all reproach and all despise my words a cause for scorn they make the lip they curl the head they shake and mocking bid me trust the lord til he salvation shall afford my trust on you i learned to rest when i was on my mother s breast from birth you are my god alone your care my life has ever known o let your strength and presence cheer for trouble and distress are near please be not far away from me i have no source of help but thee unnumbered foes would do me wrong they press about me fierce and strong like beasts of prey their rage they vent my courage fails my strength is spent down unto death you leadest me consumed by thirst and agony with cruel hate and anger fierce my helpless hands and feet they pierce while on my wasted form they stare the garments torn from me they share my shame and sorrow heeding not and for my robe they cast the lot o lord afar no longer stay you are my helper haste i pray from death and evil set me free i live for you did answer me i live and will declare your fame where brothers gather in your name where all your faithful people meet i will your worthy praise repeat