Psalms, 143

1. A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, [and] in thy righteousness.

1. O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; answer me, you who are righteous and faithful.

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

2. Do not bring your servant to judgment, for no mortal is just in your sight.

3. For 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.

3. The enemy has pursued me, crushing my life to the ground, sending me to darkness with those long dead.

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

4. And so my spirit fails me, my heart is full of fear.

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

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 forth my hands unto thee: my soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

6. I stretch out my hands to you, and thirst for you like a parched land.

7. Hear 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.

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. Cause 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.

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

9. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for to you I flee for refuge.

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

10. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your Spirit lead me on a safe path.

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

11. Preserve me, O Lord, for your name's sake; free me from distress, in your justice.

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

12. You who are merciful, crush my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.