Psalms 143:1-12

Psalm 143

A psalm of David.

143:1 O Lord, hear my prayer!

Pay attention to my plea for help!

Because of your faithfulness and justice, answer me!

143:2 Do not sit in judgment on your servant,

for no one alive is innocent before you.

143:3 Certainly my enemies chase me.

They smash me into the ground.

They force me to live in dark regions,

like those who have been dead for ages.

143:4 My strength leaves me;

I am absolutely shocked.

143:5 I recall the old days;

I meditate on all you have done;

I reflect on your accomplishments.

143:6 I spread my hands out to you in prayer;

my soul thirsts for you in a parched land.

143:7 Answer me quickly, Lord!

My strength is fading.

Do not reject me,

or I will join those descending into the grave.

143:8 May I hear about your loyal love in the morning,

for I trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

because I long for you.

143:9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord!

I run to you for protection.

143:10 Teach me to do what pleases you,

for you are my God.

May your kind presence

lead me into a level land.

143:11 O Lord, for the sake of your reputation, revive me!

Because of your justice, rescue me from trouble!

143:12 As a demonstration of your loyal love, destroy my enemies!

Annihilate all who threaten my life,

for I am your servant.