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.” Hear my prayer, O LORD! give ear to my supplications! In thy faithfulness, and in thy righteousness, answer me!
2 Please don't place me, your servant, on trial, because nobody is innocent in your sight.
Enter not into judgment with thy servant; For before thee 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 pursueth my life; He hath smitten me to the ground; He hath made me dwell in darkness, As those that have been dead of old.
4 I sense myself fading away inside; I am overwhelmed by a sense of desolation.
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 thy works; I muse on the deeds of thy hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you, thirsting for you like dried-out land. (Selah)
I stretch forth my hands unto thee; My soul thirsteth for thee, 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.
Hear me speedily, O LORD! My spirit faileth; Hide not thy face from me. Lest I become like those who go down 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.
Cause me so see thy loving-kindness speedily; For in thee do I trust! Make known to me the way which I should take; For to thee do I lift up my soul!
9 Save me from those who hate me, Lord—I run to you for protection.
Deliver me, O LORD! from mine enemies; For in thee do I seek 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 thy will; For thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me in a plain path!
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, O LORD! for thy name's sake! In thy righteousness, bring me out of my distress!
12 In your trustworthy love, get rid of those who hate me, destroy all my enemies, for I am your servant.
And, in thy compassion, cut off mine enemies, And destroy all that distress me! For I am thy servant.
