Psalm 143: Like a parched land my soul thirsts for You!

Psalm 143(142) Domine, exaudi

1 Lord, listen to my prayer:

turn your ear to my appeal.

You are faithful, you are just; give answer.

2 Do not call your servant to judgment

for no one is just in your sight.

3 The enemy pursues my soul;

he has crushed my life to the ground;

he has made me dwell in darkness

like the dead, long forgotten.

4 Therefore my spirit fails;

my heart is numb within me.

5 I remember the days that are past:

I ponder all your works.

I muse on what your hand has wrought

6 and to you I stretch out my hands.

Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.

7 Lord, make haste and answer;

for my spirit fails within me.

Do not hide your face

lest I become like those in the grave.

8 In the morning let me know your love

for I put my trust in you.

Make me know the way I should walk:

to you I lift up my soul.

9 Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;

I have fled to you for refuge.

10 Teach me to do your will

for you, O Lord, are my God.

Let your good spirit guide me

in ways that are level and smooth.

11 For your name's sake, Lord, save my life;

in your justice save my soul from distress.

12 In your love make an end of my foes;

destroy all those who oppress me

for I am your servant, O Lord.