Psalm 143

A psalm of David.

¹ Lord, hear my prayer,listen to my cry for mercy;in your faithfulness and righteousnesscome to my relief.² Do not bring your servant into judgment,for no one living is righteous before you.³ The enemy pursues me,he crushes me to the ground;he makes me dwell in the darknesslike those long dead.⁴ So my spirit grows faint within me;my heart within me is dismayed.⁵ I remember the days of long ago;I meditate on all your worksand consider what your hands have done.⁶ I spread out my hands to you;I thirst for you like a parched land.^[a]

⁷ Answer me quickly, Lord;my spirit fails.Do not hide your face from meor I will be like those who go down to the pit.⁸ Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,for I have put my trust in you.Show me the way I should go,for to you I entrust my life.⁹ Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,for I hide myself in you.¹⁰ Teach me to do your will,for you are my God;may your good Spiritlead me on level ground.

¹¹ For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.¹² In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;destroy all my foes,for I am your servant.