Psalm 143

Do Not Enter into Judgment with Your Servant

1O LORD, hear my prayer;
give ear to my pleas for mercy.
In your faithfulness answer me,
in your righteousness. 2Do not enter into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you. 3For the enemy has pursued my life;
he has crushed my life to the ground.
He has made me dwell in darkness
like those long dead. 4My spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is appalled. 5I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands. 6I spread out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah.

Teach Me the Way I Should Go

7Answer me quickly, O LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me,
or I will be like those who go down to the Pit. 8Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
for in you I trust.
Make known to me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul. 9Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD;
to you I have fled for refuge. 10Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground.

Preserve My Life for Your Name’s Sake

11For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble. 12In your steadfast love cut off my enemies
and destroy all who afflict my life,
for I am your servant.