Definition: But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 35:13. It's a really beautiful and comforting verse from the Bible, and it speaks about a woman experiencing hardship. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Imagine a woman is going through a really tough time – maybe she’s feeling sad, worried, or overwhelmed. When her friends and family are sick, she feels very helpless and distressed. She quickly wraps herself in a dark, heavy cloth (sackcloth) to protect herself from the cold and show her sadness. What it Means Figuratively: “My clothing [was] sackcloth” : This isn't about literally wearing a sackcloth! It means she was feeling very vulnerable, ashamed, and burdened by her emotions. It’s like she was trying to hide her pain and make herself smaller. "I humbled my soul with fasting" : She took a break from things that made her sad – like eating or socializing – to focus on prayer and reflection. It shows she was letting go of some of the negative emotions so she could be more focused on God. “My prayer returned into mine own bosom” : This is the most important part! She realized that instead of asking for help from others, she needed to turn her thoughts and feelings inward – to pray to God directly. She wasn’t just pleading for someone else to fix things; she was turning to God as the source of strength and comfort. Overall Meaning: This verse shows a woman recognizing her own vulnerability and needing to turn to God for solace and guidance during difficult times. It’s about finding strength in prayer and trusting in God's love and care, even when things are hard. Why it’s important: It reminds us that we can find comfort and peace in prayer, even when we feel overwhelmed by our own struggles. It emphasizes the importance of turning to God for help and support – not just from others, but directly from Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when was it written)? Talk about how this verse relates to a specific theme in the Bible?