Psalms 143

A prayer for help in a time of danger

1Lord, I pray to you for help. Please listen to me. Answer me, because you do what is right, and I know that I can trust you.

2Do not judge me, your servant. Nobody is righteous when they stand in front of you.

3My enemies are chasing me. They knock me down to the ground. They make me live in dark places, like people who have been dead for a long time.

4My strength is leaving me, and I feel very upset.

5I remember what happened many years ago. I think carefully about all the good things that you have done.

6I raise my hands to pray to you. I need you to help me, like dry ground needs rain. Selah

7Please answer me soon, Lord. I am losing my strength. Do not turn away from me. If you do, I will join those people who are going down into the deep hole of death.

8Every morning, help me to remember your faithful love, because I am trusting in you. Show me how I should live to please you, because I know that I belong to you.

9Lord, save me from my enemies. I run to you to keep me safe.

10Teach me to do what pleases you, because you are my God. Let your kind Spirit lead me, so that I can walk in a safe place.

11Your name is great, Lord, so please keep my life safe. You do what is right, so bring me out of my troubles.

12I am your servant and you always love me. Please show how much you love me, and destroy my enemies. Yes, kill all those who want to kill me!