44.5 Prayer Of Penitent In Distress

(Psalm 143)

LORD, hear my prayer!
In your righteousness listen to my plea;
answer me in your faithfulness!
Don’t put me, your servant, on trial;
no one is innocent in your sight.

My enemy has hunted me down
and completely defeated me.
He has put me in a dark prison,
and I am like those who died long ago.
So I am ready to give up; I am in deep despair.

I remember the days gone by;
I think about all that you have done,
I bring to mind all your deeds.
I lift up my hands to you in prayer;
like dry ground my soul is thirsty for you.

Answer me now, Lord!
I have lost all hope.
Don’t hide yourself from me,
or I will be among those who go down
to the world of the dead.
Remind me each morning of your constant love,
for I put my trust in you.
My prayers go up to you;
show me the way I should go.

I go to you for protection, Lord;
rescue me from my enemies.
You are my God; teach me to do your will.
Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path.

Rescue me, Lord, as you have promised;
in your goodness save me from my troubles!
Because of your love for me,
kill my enemies and destroy all my oppressors,
for I am your servant.