Psalm 143

A Psalm of David.

1Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

4Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

6I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

7Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.footnote a

8Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

9Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.footnote b

10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

11Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

I Stretch Out My Hands to You

A Psalm of David.

1O LORD, hear my prayer.In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea;in Your righteousness, answer me. 2Do not bring Your servant into judgment,for no one alive is righteous before You.

3For the enemy has pursued my soul,crushing my life to the ground,making me dwell in darknesslike those long since dead. 4My spirit grows faint within me;my heart is dismayed inside me.

5I remember the days of old;I meditate on all Your works;I consider the work of Your hands. 6I stretch out my hands to You;my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.Selah 7Answer me quickly, O LORD;my spirit fails.Do not hide Your face from me,or I will be like those who descend to the Pit. 8Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning,for I have put my trust in You.Teach me the way I should walk,for to You I lift up my soul. 9Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD;I flee to You for refuge.footnote a 10Teach me to do Your will,for You are my God.May Your good Spirit lead meon level ground.

11For the sake of Your name, O LORD,revive me.In Your righteousness,bring my soul out of trouble. 12And in Your loving devotion,cut off my enemies.Destroy all who afflict me,for I am Your servant.