Psalms  ◦   Chapter 143

1O Lord, respond favorably to my prayer,
intervene mercifully to my plea!
Because you are faithful and always do what is right,
come to my relief.

2Do not judge me responsible for my sin-condition,
for no one living can set themselves right with you.

3The enemy hounds me,
crushing my joy for life into the dirt,
driving me into darkness with no zest for living —
like those already long dead.

4I am tired of living,
I am discouraged and ready to give up,

5but then I remember what happened in the past —
I focus upon your design and all you have done
and think about your plan and all you have made.

6I surrender myself to you;
my inmost being thirsts for your life-giving presence like dry land thirsts for rain.

7Respond to me quickly, O Lord;
I am dying inside.
Do not keep your life-giving presence from me
or I will surely die and join those in the grave.

8Let each day start with your love filling my heart,
for I have put my trust in you.
Teach me the way to live,
for I surrender myself to you.

9Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord,
for I place myself under your protection.

10Teach me to fulfill your purposes,
for you are my God;
may your Spirit of truth and love
lead me to the world recreated to your design.

11Heal me, O Lord, to magnify your character of love;
cleanse my soul from sinfulness, because you always do right.

12Show mercy to my enemies and let them go;
let perish all those who reject healing and persist in attacking me,
for I am your faithful follower.