Psalm 143

An Earnest Appeal for Guidance and Deliverance

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 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant,

aFor in Your sight no one living is righteous.

3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul;

He has crushed my life to the ground;

He has made me dwell in 1darkness,

Like those who have long been dead.

4 bTherefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;

My heart within me is distressed.

5 cI remember the days of old;

I meditate on all Your works;

I 2muse on the work of Your hands.

6 I spread out my hands to You;

dMy soul longs for You like a thirsty land.

Selah

7 Answer me speedily, O Lord;

My spirit fails!

Do not hide Your face from me,

eLest I 3be like those who 4go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness fin the morning,

For in You do I trust;

gCause me to know the way in which I should walk,

For hI lift up my soul to You.

9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;

5In You I take shelter.

10 iTeach me to do Your will,

For You are my God;

jYour Spirit is good.

Lead me in kthe land of uprightness.

11 lRevive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake!

For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 In Your mercy mcut 6off my enemies,

And destroy all those who afflict my soul;

For I am Your servant.