The Penitential Psalms (7)

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, O Lord;

give ear to my supplications!

In thy faithfulness answer me, in thy righteousness!

Enter not into judgment with thy servant;

for no man living is righteous before thee.

For the enemy has pursued me;

he has crushed my life to the ground;

he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.

Therefore my spirit faints within me;

my heart within me is appalled.

I remember the days of old,

I meditate on all that thou hast done;

I muse on what thy hands have wrought.

I stretch out my hands to thee;

my soul thirsts for thee like a parched land.

Make haste to answer me, O Lord!

My spirit fails!

Hide not thy face from me,

lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

Let me hear in the morning of thy steadfast love,

for in thee I put my trust.

Teach me the way I should go,

for to thee I lift up my soul.

Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies!

I have fled to thee for refuge!

Teach me to do thy will,

for thou art my God!

Let thy good spirit lead me

on a level path!

For thy name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life!

In thy righteousness bring me out of trouble!

And in thy steadfast love cut off my enemies,

and destroy all my adversaries,

for I am thy servant. 

graphic: viola Song