Psalm 142 (143) – A Prayer of Confidence in the Lord
O Lord, listen to my prayer;
in your truth give heed to my request and in your justice hear me,
and enter not into judgment with your servant since of all the living none is just before You.
The enemy has pursued my soul, he has crushed my life into the ground;
he has forced me to dwell in darkness like those long dead.
My spirit was overwhelmed with grief and within me my heart was troubled.
Remembering the days of old, I meditated on all your deeds, I thought of the works of Your hands.
I stretched out my hands to You; like a parched land my soul longed for You.
Listen to me without delay, O Lord; my spirit has failed me.
Turn not your face away from me, nor let me sink in the pit like the others.
Grant that I may hear your love at dawn for I have placed my hope in You.
O Lord, let me know which way I shall go, for I have lifted up my soul to You.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies: it is to You that I have fled.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may your good Spirit lead me over level ground.
For the sake of your name, O Lord, You will keep me alive.
In Your saving bounty, you will deliver my soul from oppression, and in your loving kindness,
you will destroy my enemies, and bring to naught all those who grieve my soul,
for I am your servant.