Psalms 143

A psalm of David.

1O Yahweh, hear my prayer; give ear to my pleas for mercy. In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness.

2And do not enter into judgment with your servant, for no one living can be in the right before you.

3For an enemy has pursued me; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in dark places, like those long dead.

4And my spirit grows faint within me; my heart is desolate within me.

5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your work; I muse on the work of your hands.

6I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a weary land. Selah

7Answer me quickly, O Yahweh; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the pit.

8Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I trust. Make known to me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

9Deliver me from my enemies, O Yahweh; to you I flee for shelter.

10Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

11For the sake of your name, O Yahweh, preserve my life; in your righteousness bring me out of distress.

12And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies, and you will destroy all who oppress me, for I am your servant.