Psalms 143
1 “A psalm of David.” Hear my prayer, O LORD! give ear to my supplications! In thy faithfulness, and in thy righteousness, answer me!
A Psalm of David, when his son Absalom was pursuing him. O Lord, hear my prayer. Incline your ear to my supplication in your truth. Heed me according to your justice.
2 Enter not into judgment with thy servant; For before thee no man living is righteous.
And do not enter into judgment with your servant. For all the living will not be justified in your sight.
3 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.
For the enemy has pursued my soul. He has lowered my life to the earth. He has stationed me in darkness, like the dead of ages past.
4 My spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is desolate.
And my spirit has been in anguish over me. My heart within me has been disturbed.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the deeds of thy hands.
I have called to mind the days of antiquity. I have been meditating on all your works. I have meditated on the workings of your hands.
6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee; My soul thirsteth for thee, like a parched land.
I have extended my hands to you. My soul is like a land without water before you.
7 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!
O Lord, heed me quickly. My spirit has grown faint. Do not turn your face away from me, lest I become like those who descend into the pit.
8 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!
Make me hear your mercy in the morning. For I have hoped in you. Make known to me the way that I should walk. For I have lifted up my soul to you.
9 Deliver me, O LORD! from mine enemies; For in thee do I seek refuge!
O Lord, rescue me from my enemies. I have fled to you.
10 Teach me to do thy will; For thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me in a plain path!
Teach me to do your will. For you are my God. Your good Spirit will lead me into the righteous land.
11 Revive me, O LORD! for thy name's sake! In thy righteousness, bring me out of my distress!
For the sake of your name, O Lord, you will revive me in your fairness. You will lead my soul out of tribulation.
12 And, in thy compassion, cut off mine enemies, And destroy all that distress me! For I am thy servant.
And you will scatter my enemies in your mercy. And you will destroy all those who afflict my soul. For I am your servant.
