Psalms 143
1 A Psalm of David, when his son pursued him. O Lord, attend to my prayer: listen to my supplication in your truth; hear me in your righteousness.
“A psalm of David.” Hear my prayer, O LORD! give ear to my supplications! In thy faithfulness, and in thy righteousness, answer me!
2 And enter not into judgment with your servant, for in your sight shall no [man] living be justified.
Enter not into judgment with thy servant; For before thee no man living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has brought my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in a dark [place], as those that have been long dead.
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 Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.
My spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is desolate.
5 I remembered the days of old; and I meditated on all your doings: [yes], I meditated on the works of your hands.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the deeds of thy hands.
6 I spread forth my hands to you; my soul [thirsts] for you, as a dry land. (Pause)
I stretch forth my hands unto thee; My soul thirsteth for thee, like a parched land.
7 Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit has failed; turn not away your face from me, else I shall be like to them that go down to the pit.
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 Cause me to hear your mercy in the morning; for I have hoped in you; make known to me, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for I have lifted up my soul 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 Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to you for refuge.
Deliver me, O LORD! from mine enemies; For in thee do I seek refuge!
10 Teach me to do your will; for you are my God; your good Spirit shall guide me in the straight [way].
Teach me to do thy will; For thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me in a plain path!
11 You shall quicken me, O Lord, for your name's sake; in your righteousness you shall bring my soul out of affliction.
Revive me, O LORD! for thy name's sake! In thy righteousness, bring me out of my distress!
12 And in your mercy you will destroy mine enemies, and will destroy all those that afflict my soul; for I am your servant.
And, in thy compassion, cut off mine enemies, And destroy all that distress me! For I am thy servant.
