< Psalms 143 >
1 Yahweh, hear me while I pray to you! Because you are righteous and because you faithfully do what you have promised, listen to what I am pleading that you [do for me].
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.
2 I am one who serves you; do not judge me, because you know that everyone has done things that are wrong).
And enter not into judgment with your servant, for in your sight shall no [man] living be justified.
3 [My] enemies have pursued me; they have completely defeated me. [It is as though] they have put me in a dark [prison], where I [have nothing good to] ([hope for/expect]), like those who died long ago [SIM].
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.
4 So I am very discouraged; I am very dismayed/worried.
Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.
5 I remember what has happened previously: I (meditate on/think about) all the things that you have done; I consider [all] the [great] deeds that you [SYN] have performed.
I remembered the days of old; and I meditated on all your doings: [yes], I meditated on the works of your hands.
6 I lift up my hands/arms to you while I pray; I [SYN] need you, like very dry ground [needs rain] [SIM].
I spread forth my hands to you; my soul [thirsts] for you, as a dry land. (Pause)
7 Yahweh, I am very discouraged, [so] please answer me right now! Do not hide from me, because if you do that, I will [soon] be [SIM] among those who descend to where the dead people are.
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.
8 [Every] morning cause me to remember that you faithfully love [me], because I trust in you. I (pray/send my prayers up [IDM]) to you; show me what I should do.
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.
9 Yahweh, I have gone/run to you to be protected, [so] rescue me from my enemies.
Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to you for refuge.
10 You are my God; teach me to do what you want me to do. I want your good Spirit to lead me on a path that is not difficult to walk on.
Teach me to do your will; for you are my God; your good Spirit shall guide me in the straight [way].
11 Yahweh, restore me when I am close to dying, as you promised to do. Because you are righteous/good, rescue me from my troubles/difficulties!
You shall quicken me, O Lord, for your name's sake; in your righteousness you shall bring my soul out of affliction.
12 I am one who serves you; so because you faithfully love [me], kill my enemies and get rid of all those who (oppress/cause trouble for) me.
And in your mercy you will destroy mine enemies, and will destroy all those that afflict my soul; for I am your servant.