A psalm of David.

1 Lord, hear my prayer.

In your faithfulness listen to my plea,

and in your righteousness answer me.  * 143:1 Ps 71:2; 140:6

2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,  * 143:2 Jb 14:3

for no one alive is righteous in your sight.  * 143:2 Jb 15:14; Ps 130:3; Rm 3:23

3 For the enemy has pursued me,

crushing me to the ground,

making me live in darkness

like those long dead.  * 143:3 Ps 88:3–6; Lm 3:6

4 My spirit is weak within me;

my heart is overcome with dismay.  * 143:4 Ps 77:3; 142:3

5 I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all you have done;

I reflect on the work of your hands.  * 143:5 Ps 77:5,10–12

6 I spread out my hands to you;

I am like parched land before you.  * 143:6 Jb 11:13; Ps 42:2; 63:1Selah

7 Answer me quickly, Lord;

my spirit fails.  * 143:7 Ps 69:17; 102:2

Don’t hide your face from me,

or I will be like those

going down to the Pit.  * 143:7 Ps 28:1; 88:4

8 Let me experience

your faithful love in the morning,

for I trust in you.  * 143:8 Ps 90:14

Reveal to me the way I should go

because I appeal to you.  * 143:8 Ps 25:1,4

9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;

I come to you for protection.  * 143:9 One Hb ms, LXX; some Hb mss read I cover myself to you,* 143:9 Ps 31:15; 59:1; 142:6

10 Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.  * 143:10 Ps 25:4–5; 31:14; 63:1; 86:2; 119:12

May your gracious Spirit

lead me on level ground.  * 143:10 Ps 23:3

11 For your name’s sake,  Lord,

let me live.

In your righteousness deliver me from trouble,  * 143:11 Ps 25:11; 71:20

12 and in your faithful love destroy my enemies.

Wipe out all those who attack me,

for I am your servant.  * 143:12 Ps 54:5; 116:16