Psalms 143
1 A psalm of David. Lord, please hear my prayer. Because you are faithful, please listen to my appeal for mercy. Answer me because you do what is right!
A Psalm of David. O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me.
2 Please don't place me, your servant, on trial, because nobody is innocent in your sight.
Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.
3 The enemy has chased me down. He crushes me to the ground. He makes me live in darkness like those who died a long time ago.
For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.
4 I sense myself fading away inside; I am overwhelmed by a sense of desolation.
My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.
5 I think of days long ago, and as I meditate I talk to myself about all you have done, I reflect on what you have accomplished.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you, thirsting for you like dried-out land. (Selah)
I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.
7 Please answer me quickly, Lord! I'm dying! Don't turn away otherwise I'll be just like those who are going down into the grave.
Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit.
8 Tell me every morning about your trustworthy love, because I put my confidence in you. Show me the way I should go, because I dedicate myself to you.
Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.
9 Save me from those who hate me, Lord—I run to you for protection.
Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.
10 Teach me your will for you are my God. May your spirit of goodness lead me and make my way smooth.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 Because of the kind of person you are, let me go on living. Because you always do what's right, get me out of the trouble I'm in.
For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.
12 In your trustworthy love, get rid of those who hate me, destroy all my enemies, for I am your servant.
And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies. Destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant.
