Psalm 143

1    Hear my prayer, O Lord,

    and in your faithfulness give ear to my supplications;  ♦

answer me in your righteousness.

2    Enter not into judgement with your servant,  ♦

for in your sight shall no one living be justified.

3    For the enemy has pursued me,

    crushing my life to the ground,  ♦

making me sit in darkness like those long dead.

4    My spirit faints within me;  ♦

my heart within me is desolate.

5    I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds;  ♦

I consider the works of your hands.

6    I stretch out my hands to you;  ♦

my soul gasps for you like a thirsty land.

7    O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me;  ♦

hide not your face from me

    lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

8    Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,

    for in you I put my trust;  ♦

show me the way I should walk in,

    for I lift up my soul to you.

9    Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies,  ♦

for I flee to you for refuge.

10  Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God;  ♦

let your kindly spirit lead me on a level path.

11  Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake;  ♦

for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

12  In your faithfulness, slay my enemies,

    and destroy all the adversaries of my soul,  ♦

for truly I am your servant.

 

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000 and published by Church House Publishing.