1
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
2
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
3
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
4
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
5
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
6
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
7
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
9
Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
10
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
11
Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
Psalms 143 Study & Commentary
Overview & Chapter Summary
Psalm 143 is a penitential prayer seeking guidance and deliverance. David asks God not to enter into judgment with him but to "quicken" him for His name's sake.
Theological Context & Insights
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. No One is Justified: In God’s sight shall "no man living be justified" (v. 2). We all depend entirely on grace.
2. Thirsting for God: David stretches forth his hands; his soul thirsts for God as a "thirsty land" (v. 6).
Practical Lessons & Daily Application
FORMAL PRAYER
Hear my prayer, O Lord. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Amen.