Psalms 143

₁Listen, LORD, as I pray!

You are faithful and honest

and will answer my prayer.

₂I am your servant.

Don't try me in your court,

because no one is innocent

by your standards.

₃My enemies are chasing me,

crushing me in the ground.

I am in total darkness,

like someone long dead.

₄I have given up all hope,

and I feel numb all over.

₅I remember to think about

the many things you did

in years gone by.

₆Then I lift my hands in prayer,

because my soul is a desert,

thirsty for water from you.

₇Please hurry, LORD,

and answer my prayer.

I feel hopeless.

Don't turn away

and leave me here to die.

₈Each morning let me learn

more about your love

because I trust you.

I come to you in prayer,

asking for your guidance.

₉Please rescue me

from my enemies, LORD!

I come to you for safety.

₁₀You are my God. Show me

what you want me to do,

and let your gentle Spirit

lead me in the right path.

₁₁Be true to your name, LORD,

and keep my life safe.

Use your saving power

to protect me from trouble.

₁₂I am your servant.

Show how much you love me

by destroying my enemies.