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!
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in your faithfulness answer me, and in your righteousness.
2 Please don't place me, your servant, on trial, because nobody is innocent in your sight.
And enter not into judgment with your servant: for in your sight shall no man living be justified.
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 persecuted my soul; he has smitten my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
4 I sense myself fading away inside; I am overwhelmed by a sense of desolation.
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
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 meditate on the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you, thirsting for you like dried-out land. (Selah)
I stretch forth my hands unto you: my soul thirsts after you, as a thirsty land. (Selah)
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.
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit fails: hide not your face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into 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.
Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning; for in you do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto you.
9 Save me from those who hate me, Lord—I run to you for protection.
Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto you to hide me.
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: your spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
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.
Restore life in me, O LORD, for your name's sake: for your righteousness' sake 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 of your mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am your servant.
