Psalm 143

A Prayer for Guidance in Distress

A psalm of David.

1Hear my prayer, O Lord;

listen to my plea!

Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.

2Don’t put your servant on trial,

for no one is innocent before you.

3My enemy has chased me.

He has knocked me to the ground

and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.

4I am losing all hope;

I am paralyzed with fear.

5I remember the days of old.

I ponder all your great works

and think about what you have done.

6I lift my hands to you in prayer.

I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Interlude

7Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,

for my depression deepens.

Don’t turn away from me,

or I will die.

8Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,

for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I give myself to you.

9Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;

I run to you to hide me.

10Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward

on a firm footing.

11For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.

Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

12In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies

and destroy all my foes,

for I am your servant.