PSALMS

The One Hundred Forty Third Psalm

Domine, exaudi.

---

HEAR my prayer, O LORD, and consider my desire; * hearken unto me for thy truth and righteousness' sake.
 
And enter not into judgment with thy servant; * for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
 
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; * he hath laid me in the darkness, as the men that have been long dead.
 
Therefore is my spirit vexed within me, * and my heart within me is desolate.
 
Yet do I remember the time past; I muse upon all thy works; * yea, I exercise myself in the works of thy hands.
 
I stretch forth my hands unto thee; * my soul gaspeth unto thee as a thirsty land.
 
Hear me, O LORD, and that soon; for my spirit waxeth faint: * hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
 
O let me hear thy loving-kindness betimes in the morning; for in thee is my trust: * show thou me the way that I should walk in; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
 
Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies; * for I flee unto thee to hide me.
 
Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee; for thou art my God: * let thy loving Spirit lead me forth into the land of righteousness.
 
Quicken me, O LORD, for thy Name's sake; * and for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
 
And of thy goodness slay mine enemies, * and destroy all them that vex my soul; for I am thy servant.