Psalm 143
A psalm of David.
1Lord, hear my prayer.
Listen to my cry for mercy.
You are faithful and right.
Come and help me.
2Don’t take me to court and judge me,
because in your eyes no living person does what is right.
3My enemies chase me.
They crush me down to the ground.
They make me live in the darkness
like those who died long ago.
4So I grow weak.
Deep down inside me, I’m afraid.
5I remember what happened long ago.
I spend time thinking about all your acts.
I consider what your hands have done.
6I spread out my hands to you in prayer.
I’m thirsty for you, just as dry ground is thirsty for rain.
7Lord, answer me quickly.
I’m growing weak.
Don’t turn your face away from me,
or I will be like those who go down into the grave.
8In the morning let me hear about your faithful love,
because I’ve put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should live,
because I trust you with my life.
9Lord, save me from my enemies,
because I go to you for safety.
10Teach me to do what you want,
because you are my God.
May your good Spirit
lead me on a level path.
11Lord, bring yourself honor by keeping me alive.
Because you do what is right, get me out of trouble.
12Because your love is faithful, put an end to my enemies.
Destroy all of them, because I serve you.
Psalm 143
A psalm of David.
1Lord, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
2Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
like those long dead.
4So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
5I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
6I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.143:6 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
7Answer me quickly, Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
9Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
for I hide myself in you.
10Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
11For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
