Psalm 143

A Cry for Help

A psalm of David.

1   LORD, hear my prayer.

In your faithfulness listen to my plea,

and in your righteousness answer me. m

2   Do not bring your servant into judgment, n

for no one alive is righteous in your sight. o

3   For the enemy has pursued me,

crushing me to the ground,

making me live in darkness

like those long dead. p

4   My spirit is weak within me;

my heart is overcome with dismay. q

5   I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all you have done;

I reflect on the work of your hands. r

6   I spread out my hands to you;

I am like parched land before you. s    Selah

7   Answer me quickly, LORD;

my spirit fails. t

Don’t hide your face from me,

or I will be like those

going down to the Pit. u

8   Let me experience

your faithful love in the morning,

for I trust in you. v

Reveal to me the way I should go

because I appeal to you. w

9   Rescue me from my enemies, LORD;

I come to you for protection. J,x

10   Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God. y

May your gracious Spirit

lead me on level ground. z

11   For your name’s sake, LORD,

let me live.

In your righteousness deliver me from trouble, a

12   and in your faithful love destroy my enemies.

Wipe out all those who attack me,

for I am your servant. b