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 by David.] Hear my prayer, LORD. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.
2 Please don't place me, your servant, on trial, because nobody is innocent in your sight.
Do not enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous.
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 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 I sense myself fading away inside; I am overwhelmed by a sense of desolation.
Therefore my spirit is 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 doings. I contemplate the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you, thirsting for you like dried-out land. (Selah)
I spread forth my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched 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.
Hurry to answer me, LORD. 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 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 I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
9 Save me from those who hate me, Lord—I run to you for protection.
Deliver me, LORD, from my enemies. I run 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. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in 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.
Revive me, LORD, for your name's sake. 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.
In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, For I am your servant.
