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