143  A song by David.

1 Hear my prayer, Yahweh—listen to my requests.

On account of your faithfulness, answer me in your righteousness.

2 Don’t judge me, your servant,

because no living person is innocent anyway.[ref]

3 The enemy has pursued my life.

He’s smashed me into the ground.

He’s forced me to live in darkness like those who’ve been dead a long time.

4 My spirit is getting weaker.

My mind is full of despair.

5 I remember the good old days.

I meditate about your activities.

≈ I consider all the things you’ve done.

6 I spread my hands out towards you.

I long for you like a thirsty person longs for water in the desert. (Instrumental break.)

7 Answer me quickly, Yahweh, because my spirit is weak.

Don’t hide yourself from me or I’ll become like those going down into the pit.

8 Every morning I want to hear about your loyal commitment

because I’ve put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go

because I’ve committed my life to you.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, Yahweh—

I trust you as my protector.

10 Teach me to do what you like

because you’re my god.

May your good spirit lead me

out of the valley onto level ground.

11 Yahweh, keep me alive for the sake of your reputation.

Rescue me from trouble because you always do what is right.

12 Apply your loyal commitment and cut off my enemies.

Destroy all those threatening my life, because I’m your servant.