A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.
[143:1] Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
[143:2] Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.
[143:3] For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
[143:4] Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.
[143:5] I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.
[143:6] I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
[143:7] Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
[143:8] Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
[143:9] Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge.
[143:10] Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
[143:11] For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
[143:12] And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies, and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am your servant.