Psalm 143

A Cry for Help

A Davidic psalm.

1 Lord, hear my prayer.

In Your faithfulness listen to my plea,

and in Your righteousness answer me. x

2 Do not bring Your servant into judgment, y

for no one alive is righteous in Your sight. z

3 For the enemy has pursued me,

crushing me to the ground,

making me live in darkness

like those long dead. a

4 My spirit is weak within me;

my heart is overcome with dismay. b

5 I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all You have done;

I reflect on the work of Your hands. c

6 I spread out my hands to You;

I am like parched land before You. d * Selah

7 Answer me quickly, Lord;

my spirit fails. e

Don’t hide Your face from me,

or I will be like those

going down to the * Pit. f

8 Let me experience

Your faithful love in the morning,

for I trust in You. g

Reveal to me the way I should go

because I long for You. h

9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;

I come to You for protection. i j

10 Teach me to do Your will,

for You are my God. k

May Your gracious Spirit

lead me on level ground. l

11 Because of Your name, * Yahweh,

let me live.

In Your righteousness deliver me from trouble, m

12 and in Your faithful love destroy my enemies.

Wipe out all those who attack me,

for I am Your servant. n