A psalm of David.
143:1 O Lord, hear my prayer!
Pay attention to my plea for help!
Because of your faithfulness and justice, answer me!
143:2 Do not sit in judgment on 2 your servant,
for no one alive is innocent before you. 3
143:3 Certainly 4 my enemies 5 chase me.
They smash me into the ground. 6
They force me to live 7 in dark regions, 8
like those who have been dead for ages.
143:4 My strength leaves me; 9
I am absolutely shocked. 10
143:5 I recall the old days; 11
I meditate on all you have done;
I reflect on your accomplishments. 12
143:6 I spread my hands out to you in prayer; 13
my soul thirsts for you in a parched 14 land. 15
143:7 Answer me quickly, Lord!
My strength is fading. 16
Do not reject me, 17
or I will join 18 those descending into the grave. 19
143:8 May I hear about your loyal love in the morning, 20
for I trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, 21
because I long for you. 22
143:9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord!
I run to you for protection. 23
143:10 Teach me to do what pleases you, 24
for you are my God.
May your kind presence 25
lead me 26 into a level land. 27