143:1 [A psalm of David.] Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
143:2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.
143:3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead.
143:4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
143:6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.* / *The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
143:7 Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
143:8 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 entrust my life.
143:9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.
143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
143:11 For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
143:12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.