Psalms 143
1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in your faithfulness answer me, and in your 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 your servant: for in your 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 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.
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 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
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 your works; I muse on the work of your 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 stretch forth my hands to you: my soul thirsts after you, as a thirsty land. (Selah)
I stretch out my hands to you, thirsting for you like dried-out land. (Selah)
7 Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit fails: hide not your face from me, lest I be like to 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 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 to you.
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, O LORD, from my enemies: I flee to you to hide me.
Save me from those who hate me, Lord—I run to you for protection.
10 Teach me to do your will; for you are my God: your spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
Teach me your will for you are my God. May your spirit of goodness lead me and make my way smooth.
11 Quicken me, O LORD, for your name’s sake: for your righteousness’ sake 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 of your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am your servant.
In your trustworthy love, get rid of those who hate me, destroy all my enemies, for I am your servant.
