Psalm 143 (142)
Repetition of preceding psalm.
1 O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; answer me, you who are righteous and faithful.
2 Do not bring your servant to judgment, for no mortal is just in your sight.
3 The enemy has pursued me, crush ing my life to the ground, send ing me to darkness with those long dead.
4 And so my spirit fails me, my heart is full of fear.
5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on what you have done and consider the work of your hand.
6 I stretch out my hands to you, and thirst for you like a
parched land.
7 O Lord, answer me quickly: my spirit is faint with yearning. Do not hide your face from me; save me from going down to the pit.
8 Let the dawn bring me word of your love, for in you alone I put my trust. Show me the way I should walk, for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for to you I flee for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your Spirit lead me on a safe path.
11 Preserve me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; free me from distress, in your justice.
12 You who are merciful, crush my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.