Psalm 143

A Cry for Help

A psalm of David.

¹Lord, hear my prayer.

In your faithfulness listen to my plea,

and in your righteousness answer me. ^a

²Do not bring your servant into judgment, ^b

for no one alive is righteous in your sight. ^c

³For the enemy has pursued me,

crushing me to the ground,

making me live in darkness

like those long dead. ^d

⁴My spirit is weak within me;

my heart is overcome with dismay. ^e

⁵I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all you have done;

I reflect on the work of your hands. ^f

⁶I spread out my hands to you;

I am like parched land before you. ^g Selah

⁷Answer me quickly, Lord;

my spirit fails. ^h

Don’t hide your face from me,

or I will be like those

going down to the Pit. ⁱ

⁸Let me experience

your faithful love in the morning,

for I trust in you. ^j

Reveal to me the way I should go

because I appeal to you. ^k

⁹Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;

I come to you for protection. ^l,^m

¹⁰Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God. ⁿ

May your gracious Spirit

lead me on level ground. ^o

¹¹For your name’s sake, Lord,

let me live.

In your righteousness deliver me from trouble, ^p

¹²and in your faithful love destroy my enemies.

Wipe out all those who attack me,

for I am your servant. ^q