Psalms 143 — NETB

A psalm of David.

143Verse 1O Lord, hear my prayer!
Pay attention to my plea for help!
Because of your faithfulness and justice, answer me!
^{Verse 2}Do not sit in judgment on your servant,
for no one alive is innocent before you.
^{Verse 3}Certainly my enemies chase me.
They smash me into the ground.
They force me to live in dark regions,
like those who have been dead for ages.
^{Verse 4}My strength leaves me;
I am absolutely shocked.
^{Verse 5}I recall the old days;
I meditate on all you have done;
I reflect on your accomplishments.
^{Verse 6}I spread my hands out to you in prayer;
my soul thirsts for you in a parched land.
^{Verse 7}Answer me quickly, Lord!
My strength is fading.
Do not reject me,
or I will join those descending into the grave.
^{Verse 8}May I hear about your loyal love in the morning,
for I trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
because I long for you.
^{Verse 9}Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord!
I run to you for protection.
^{Verse 10}Teach me to do what pleases you,
for you are my God.
May your kind presence
lead me into a level land.
^{Verse 11}O Lord, for the sake of your reputation, revive me!
Because of your justice, rescue me from trouble!
^{Verse 12}As a demonstration of your loyal love, destroy my enemies!
Annihilate all who threaten my life,
for I am your servant.