Psalms Chapter 143

A Psalm of David

¹ Hear my prayer, LORD;

      listen to my petition;

      in your faithfulness and goodness, come to my relief.

² Don’t put me on trial

      because, compared to you, nobody’s good.

³ My enemy has chased me,

      crushed me on the ground,

      and made me sit in the dark like people long dead.

⁴ So I feel overwhelmed,

      and my heart is empty.

⁵ I remember the old days;

      I ponder everything you’ve done

      and think about what you’ve made.

⁶ I reach out for you,

      thirsty for you like parched ground.                                

Ps 143:1-6

⁷ Answer me right away, LORD;

                              my spirit is failing; don’t hide from me,

      or I’ll get like those destined for the Pit.

⁸ Let me hear about your enduring love every morning

            because I put my trust in you;

      show me where to walk

            because I’m lifting myself up to you.

⁹ Deliver me from my enemies;

      you’re my refuge.

¹⁰ Teach me how to do your will

            because you’re my God;

      let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

¹¹ In defense of your honor, LORD, protect me;

in your goodness, take me away from trouble;

¹² in your enduring love, slay my enemies;

      destroy the ones that abuse me,

            because I’m your servant.                                          

Ps 143:7-12