143:1  HEAR MY prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness.

143:2  And enter not into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no man living is [in himself] righteous {or} justified.

143:3  For the enemy has pursued {and} persecuted my soul, he has crushed my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in dark places as those who have been long dead.

143:4  Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed {and} faints within me [wrapped in gloom]; my heart within my bosom grows numb.

143:5  I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands.

143:6  I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

143:7  Answer me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit (the grave).

143:8  Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean {and} in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.

143:9  Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to You to hide me.

143:10  Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country {and} into the land of uprightness.

143:11  Save my life, O Lord, for Your name's sake; in Your righteousness, bring my life out of trouble {and} free me from distress.

143:12  And in your mercy {and} loving-kindness, cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my inner self, for I am Your servant.