Psalm 143

A Psalm of David.

¹ Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness.

² And enter not into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no man living is [in himself] righteous or justified.^(A)

³ For the enemy has pursued and persecuted my soul, he has crushed my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in dark places as those who have been long dead.

⁴ Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me [wrapped in gloom]; my heart within my bosom grows numb.

⁵ I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands.

⁶ I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

⁷ Answer me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit (the grave).

⁸ Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.

⁹ Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to You to hide me.

¹⁰ Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.

¹¹ Save my life, O Lord, for Your name’s sake; in Your righteousness, bring my life out of trouble and free me from distress.

¹² And in your mercy and loving-kindness, cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my inner self, for I am Your servant.