Psalms 143
1 A Psalm of David. O LORD, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications; in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness.
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!
2 And enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.
Please don't place me, your servant, on trial, because nobody is innocent in your sight.
3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath crushed my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
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.
4 And my spirit fainteth within me; my heart within me is appalled.
I sense myself fading away inside; I am overwhelmed by a sense of desolation.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy doing; I muse on the work of Thy hands.
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.
6 I spread forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a weary land. (Selah)
I stretch out my hands to you, thirsting for you like dried-out land. (Selah)
7 Answer me speedily, O LORD, my spirit faileth; hide not Thy face from me; lest I become like them that go down into the pit.
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.
8 Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul.
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.
9 Deliver me from mine enemies, O LORD; with Thee have I hidden myself.
Save me from those who hate me, Lord—I run to you for protection.
10 Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; let Thy good spirit lead me in an even land.
Teach me your will for you are my God. May your spirit of goodness lead me and make my way smooth.
11 For Thy name's sake, O LORD, quicken me; in Thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
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.
12 And in Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that harass my soul; for I am Thy servant.
In your trustworthy love, get rid of those who hate me, destroy all my enemies, for I am your servant.
