Psalm 143

An Earnest Appeal for Guidance and Deliverance

1. Psalm of David. 143 Hear my prayer, O Lord, 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. Selah

7. 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.[a]

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 name’s 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.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 143:9: Septuagint and Vulgate read To You I flee.