< Psalms 143 >
1 A Psalm of David, when his son pursued him. O Lord, attend to my prayer: hearken to my supplication in thy truth; hear me in thy righteousness.
2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant, for in thy sight shall no [man] living be justified.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has brought my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in a dark [place], as those that have been long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.
5 I remembered the days of old; and I meditated on all thy doings: [yea], I meditated on the works of thine hands.
6 I spread forth my hands to thee; my soul [thirsts] for thee, as a dry land. (Pause)
7 Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit has failed; turn not away thy face from me, else I shall be like to them that go down to the pit.
8 Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning; for I have hoped in thee; make known to me, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for I have lifted up my soul to thee.
9 Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to thee for refuge.
10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God; thy good Spirit shall guide me in the straight [way].
11 Thou shalt quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake; in thy righteousness thou shalt bring my soul out of affliction.
12 And in thy mercy thou wilt destroy mine enemies, and wilt destroy all those that afflict my soul; for I am thy servant.
