Psalm 143

A psalm of David.

 1 O LORD, hear my prayer,
       listen to my cry for mercy;
       in your faithfulness and righteousness
       come to my relief.

 2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
       for no one living is righteous before you.

 3 The enemy pursues me,
       he crushes me to the ground;
       he makes me dwell in darkness
       like those long dead.

 4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
       my heart within me is dismayed.

 5 I remember the days of long ago;
       I meditate on all your works
       and consider what your hands have done.

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

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

 8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
       for I have put my trust in you.
       Show me the way I should go,
       for to you I lift up my soul.

 9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD,
       for I hide myself in you.

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

 11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life;
       in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

 12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
       destroy all my foes,
       for I am your servant.