Psalm 143

Psalm 143

A psalm of David.

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
listen to my plea!
Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.2 Don’t put your servant on trial,
for no one is innocent before you.3 My enemy has chased me.
He has knocked me to the ground
and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.4 I am losing all hope;
I am paralyzed with fear.5 I remember the days of old.
I ponder all your great works
and think about what you have done.6 I lift my hands to you in prayer.
I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.
Interlude7 Come quickly, LORD, and answer me,
for my depression deepens.
Don’t turn away from me,
or I will die.8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD;
I run to you to hide me.10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies
and destroy all my foes,
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.