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. Lord, please hear my prayer. Because you are faithful, please listen to my appeal for mercy. Answer me because you do what is right!
2 And enter not into judgment with your servant, for in your sight shall no [man] living be justified.
Please don't place me, your servant, on trial, because nobody is innocent in your sight.
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.
The enemy has chased me down. He crushes me to the ground. He makes me live in darkness like those who died a long time ago.
4 Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.
I sense myself fading away inside; I am overwhelmed by a sense of desolation.
5 I remembered the days of old; and I meditated on all your doings: [yes], I meditated on the works of your hands.
I think of days long ago, and as I meditate I talk to myself about all you have done, I reflect on what you have accomplished.
6 I spread forth my hands to you; my soul [thirsts] for you, as a dry land. (Pause)
I stretch out my hands to you, thirsting for you like dried-out land. (Selah)
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.
Please answer me quickly, Lord! I'm dying! Don't turn away otherwise I'll be just like those who are going down into the grave.
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.
Tell me every morning about your trustworthy love, because I put my confidence in you. Show me the way I should go, because I dedicate myself to you.
9 Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to you for refuge.
Save me from those who hate me, Lord—I run to you for protection.
10 Teach me to do your will; for you are my God; your good Spirit shall guide me in the straight [way].
Teach me your will for you are my God. May your spirit of goodness lead me and make my way smooth.
11 You shall quicken me, O Lord, for your name's sake; in your righteousness you shall bring my soul out of affliction.
Because of the kind of person you are, let me go on living. Because you always do what's right, get me out of the trouble I'm in.
12 And in your mercy you will destroy mine enemies, and will destroy all those that afflict my soul; for I am your servant.
In your trustworthy love, get rid of those who hate me, destroy all my enemies, for I am your servant.
