142
(143) A Psalm of David, when his son pursued him.
1 O Lord, attend to my prayer: listen to my supplication in your truth; hear me in your righteousness.
2 And enter not into judgment with your servant, for in your sight shall no man living be justified.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has brought my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in a dark place, as those that have been long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.
5 I remembered the days of old; and I meditated on all your doings: yes, I meditated on the works of your hands.
6 I spread forth my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you, as a dry land. Pause.
7 Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit has failed; turn not away your face from me, else I shall be like to them that go down to the pit.
8 Cause me to hear your mercy in the morning; for I have hoped in you; make known to me, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for I have lifted up my soul to you.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will; for you are my God; your good Spirit shall guide me in the * straight way.
11 You shall quicken me, O Lord, for your name's sake; in your righteousness you shall bring my soul out of affliction.
12 And in your mercy you will destroy my enemies, and will destroy all those that afflict my soul; for I am your servant.
* 142:10 Alex. as Heb. 'land of uprightness.'