David prays for favour in judgment.

A Psalm by David.

143:1 Hear my prayer, Yahweh.
Listen to my petitions.
In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.

143:2 Don’t enter into judgment with your servant,
for in your sight no man living is righteous.

He complains of his griefs.

143:3 For the enemy pursues my soul.
He has struck my life down to the ground.
He has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead.

143:4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me.
My heart within me is desolate.

He strengthens his faith by meditation and prayer.

143:5 I remember the days of old.
I meditate on all your doings.
I contemplate the work of your hands.

143:6 I spread forth my hands to you.
My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land.

Selah.

He prays for grace;

143:7 Hurry to answer me, Yahweh.
My spirit fails.
Don’t hide your face from me,
so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit.

143:8 Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning,
for I trust in you.
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
for I lift up my soul to you.

for deliverance;

143:9 Deliver me, Yahweh, from my enemies.
I flee to you to hide me.

for sanctification;

143:10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.

143:11 Revive me, Yahweh, for your name’s sake.
In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.

for destruction of his enemies;

143:12 In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies,
and destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am your servant.