Psalm 143

Good News Translation

A Prayer for Help^[a]

143 Lord, hear my prayer!
In your righteousness listen to my plea;
answer me in your faithfulness!
²^(A)Don't put me, your servant, on trial;
no one is innocent in your sight.

³My enemies have hunted me down
    and completely defeated me.
They have put me in a dark prison,
    and I am like those who died long ago.
⁴So I am ready to give up;
    I am in deep despair.

⁵I remember the days gone by;
    I think about all that you have done,
    I bring to mind all your deeds.
⁶I lift up my hands to you in prayer;
    like dry ground my soul is thirsty for you.

⁷Answer me now, Lord!
    I have lost all hope.
Don't hide yourself from me,
    or I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead.
⁸Remind me each morning of your constant love,
    for I put my trust in you.
My prayers go up to you;
    show me the way I should go.

⁹I go to you for protection, Lord;
rescue me from my enemies.
¹⁰You are my God;
teach me to do your will.
Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path.

¹¹Rescue me, Lord, as you have promised;
    in your goodness save me from my troubles!
¹²Because of your love for me, kill my enemies
    and destroy all my oppressors,
    for I am your servant.