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.” O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, in thy righteousness.
2 And enter not into judgment with your servant, for in your sight shall no [man] living be justified.
And enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no living man can be regarded righteous before thee.
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.
For the enemy hath pursued my soul; he hath crushed to the ground my life; he hath made me dwell in darkness, as those that are dead eternally.
4 Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.
And my spirit within me is overwhelmed: in my bosom is my heart astounded.
5 I remembered the days of old; and I meditated on all your doings: [yes], I meditated on the works of your hands.
I remember the days of olden times: I meditate on all thy doings: on the work of thy hands do I reflect.
6 I spread forth my hands to you; my soul [thirsts] for you, as a dry land. (Pause)
I spread forth my hands unto thee: my soul [longeth] for thee, as a thirsty 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.
Hasten, answer me, O Lord, my spirit falleth: hide not thy face from me, that I may not become like those that go down into the pit.
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.
Cause me to hear in the morning thy kindness; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way whereon I should walk; for unto thee do I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to you for refuge.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies: by thee do I seek shelter.
10 Teach me to do your will; for you are my God; your good Spirit shall guide me in the straight [way].
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; guide me on a level land.
11 You shall quicken me, O Lord, for your name's sake; in your righteousness you shall bring my soul out of affliction.
For thy sake, O Lord, revive me: in thy righteousness bring forth out of distress my soul.
12 And in your mercy you will destroy mine enemies, and will destroy all those that afflict my soul; for I am your servant.
And in thy kindness destroy my enemies, and annihilate all the adversaries of my soul; far I am thy servant.
