Psalms 143
1 A Psalm of David, when his son Absalom was pursuing him. O Lord, hear my prayer. Incline your ear to my supplication in your truth. Heed me according to your justice.
[A Psalm by David.] Hear my prayer, Jehovah. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.
2 And do not enter into judgment with your servant. For all the living will not be justified in your sight.
Do not enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul. He has lowered my life to the earth. He has stationed me in darkness, like the dead of ages past.
For the enemy pursues my soul. He has struck my life down to the ground. He has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead.
4 And my spirit has been in anguish over me. My heart within me has been disturbed.
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is desolate.
5 I have called to mind the days of antiquity. I have been meditating on all your works. I have meditated on the workings of your hands.
I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands.
6 I have extended my hands to you. My soul is like a land without water before you.
I spread forth my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. (Selah)
7 O Lord, heed me quickly. My spirit has grown faint. Do not turn your face away from me, lest I become like those who descend into the pit.
Hurry to answer me, Jehovah. My spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me, so that I do not become like those who go down into the pit.
8 Make me hear your mercy in the morning. For I have hoped in you. Make known to me the way that I should walk. For I have lifted up my soul to you.
Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
9 O Lord, rescue me from my enemies. I have fled to you.
Deliver me, Jehovah, from my enemies. I run to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will. For you are my God. Your good Spirit will lead me into the righteous land.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
11 For the sake of your name, O Lord, you will revive me in your fairness. You will lead my soul out of tribulation.
Revive me, Jehovah, for your name's sake. In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.
12 And you will scatter my enemies in your mercy. And you will destroy all those who afflict my soul. For I am your servant.
In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, For I am your servant.
