Psalms 143
1 A Psalm. Of David. Let my prayer come to you, O Lord; give ear to my requests for your grace; keep faith with me, and give me an answer in your righteousness;
“A psalm of David.” O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, in thy righteousness.
2 Let not your servant come before you to be judged; for no man living is upright in your eyes.
And enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no living man can be regarded righteous before thee.
3 The evil man has gone after my soul; my life is crushed down to the earth: he has put me in the dark, like those who have long been dead.
For the enemy hath pursued my soul; he hath crushed to the ground my life; he hath made me dwell in darkness, as those that are dead eternally.
4 Because of this my spirit is overcome; and my heart is full of fear.
And my spirit within me is overwhelmed: in my bosom is my heart astounded.
5 I keep in mind the early days of the past, giving thought to all your acts, even to the work of your hands.
I remember the days of olden times: I meditate on all thy doings: on the work of thy hands do I reflect.
6 My hands are stretched out to you: my soul is turned to you, like a land in need of water. (Selah)
I spread forth my hands unto thee: my soul [longeth] for thee, as a thirsty land. (Selah)
7 Be quick in answering me, O Lord, for the strength of my spirit is gone: let me see your face, so that I may not be like those who go down into the underworld.
Hasten, answer me, O Lord, my spirit falleth: hide not thy face from me, that I may not become like those that go down into the pit.
8 Let the story of your mercy come to me in the morning, for my hope is in you: give me knowledge of the way in which I am to go; for my soul is lifted up to you.
Cause me to hear in the morning thy kindness; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way whereon I should walk; for unto thee do I lift up my soul.
9 O Lord, take me out of the hands of my haters; my soul is waiting for you.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies: by thee do I seek shelter.
10 Give me teaching so that I may do your pleasure; for you are my God: let your good Spirit be my guide into the land of righteousness.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; guide me on a level land.
11 Give me life, O Lord, because of your name; in your righteousness take my soul out of trouble.
For thy sake, O Lord, revive me: in thy righteousness bring forth out of distress my soul.
12 And in your mercy put an end to my haters, and send destruction on all those who are against my soul; for I am your servant.
And in thy kindness destroy my enemies, and annihilate all the adversaries of my soul; far I am thy servant.
