Home > Books > Psalms

Psalms 143

David asks God to hear his prayer and answer in faithfulness and righteousness, acknowledging that no one can be justified in God's sight. He describes being persecuted by his enemy and feeling overwhelmed and desolate, but remembers God's works and stretches out his hands in longing. David asks God to deliver him from his enemies, teach him to do His will, and bring his soul out of trouble, ultimately seeking God's mercy to cut off his enemies and destroy those who afflict him.

1Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.4Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.6I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.7Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.8Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.9Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.11Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.12And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
Share this chapter