Psalm 143

Psalm 143

A psalm by David. 

¹O Lord, listen to my prayer. 

Open your ears to hear my urgent requests. 

Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. 

²Do not take me to court for judgment, 

because there is no one alive 

who is righteous in your presence. 

³The enemy has pursued me. 

He has ground my life into the dirt. 

He has made me live in dark places 

like those who have died long ago. 

⁴That is why I begin to lose hope 

and my heart is in a state of shock. 

⁵I remember the days long ago. 

I reflect on all that you have done. 

I carefully consider what your hands have made. 

⁶I stretch out my hands to you in prayer. 

Like parched land, my soul thirsts for you. 

Selah 

⁷Answer me quickly, O Lord. 

My spirit is worn out. 

Do not hide your face from me, 

or I will be like those who go into the pit. 

⁸Let me hear about your mercy in the morning, 

because I trust you. 

Let me know the way that I should go, 

because I long for you. 

⁹Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord. 

I come to you for protection. 

¹⁰Teach me to do your will, because you are my God. 

May your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 

¹¹O Lord, keep me alive for the sake of your name. 

Because you are righteous, lead me out of trouble. 

¹²In keeping with your mercy, wipe out my enemies 

and destroy all who torment me, 

because I am your servant.