Psalm 143

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord,

An Earnest Appeal for Guidance and DeliveranceA Psalm of David. Give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, And in Your righteousness.

2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no one living is righteous.3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead.4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed.5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.6 I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah7 Answer me speedily, O Lord; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your names sake! For Your righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble.12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies, And destroy all those who afflict my soul; For I am Your servant.

PSALMS 143

A Prayer in Time of Danger

1 Listen, [Lord], as I pray!
You are faithful and honest
and will answer my prayer.

2  t I am your servant.
Don't try me in your court,
because no one is innocent
by your standards.

3 My enemies are chasing me,
crushing me in the ground.
I am in total darkness,
like someone long dead.

4 I have given up hope,
and I feel numb all over.

5 I remember to think about
the many things you did
in years gone by.

6 Then I lift my hands in prayer,
because my soul is a desert,
thirsty for water from you.

7 Please hurry, [Lord],
and answer my prayer.
I feel hopeless.
Don't turn away
and leave me here to die.

8 Each morning let me learn
more about your love
because I trust you.
I come to you in prayer,
asking for your guidance.

9 Please rescue me
from my enemies, [Lord]!
I come to you for safety.t

10 You are my God. Show me
what you want me to do,
and let your gentle Spirit
lead me in the right path.

11 Be true to your name, [Lord],
and keep my life safe.
Use your saving power
to protect me from trouble.

12 I am your servant.
Show how much you love me
by destroying my enemies.