\s5
\c 143
\p
\d A psalm written by David.
\b
\q1
\v 1 Yahweh, hear me while I pray to you!
\q2 Because you are righteous
\q2 and because you faithfully do what you have promised,
\q2 listen to what I am pleading for you to do for me.
\q1
\v 2 I am one who worships you;
\q1 do not judge me
\q2 because you do not consider anyone to be completely innocent.
\b

\s5
\q1
\v 3 My enemies have pursued me;
\q2 they have completely defeated me.
\q1 It is as though they have put me in a dark prison
\q1 where I have nothing good to hope for.
\q1
\v 4 So I am very discouraged in my inner being;
\q2 I am very dismayed.
\b

\s5
\q1
\v 5 I remember what has happened previously;
\q2 I meditate on all the things that you have done;
\q1 I consider all the great deeds that you have performed.
\q1
\v 6 I lift up my hands to you while I pray;
\q2 I want very much to be with you as much as I would thirst for water in a vast wilderness.

\b

\s5
\q1
\v 7 Yahweh, I am very discouraged,
\q2 so please answer me right now!
\q1 Do not keep away from me
\q2 because if you do that, I will soon be among those who descend to where the dead people are.
\q1
\v 8 Every morning cause me to remember that you faithfully love me
\q2 because I trust in you.
\q1 I pray to you;
\q2 show me the things that I should do.

\s5
\q1
\v 9 Yahweh, I have gone to you for you to protect me,
\q2 so rescue me from my enemies.
\q1
\v 10 You are my God;
\q2 teach me to do what you want me to do.
\q1 I want your good Spirit to show me the right things to do.
\b

\s5
\q1
\v 11 Yahweh, restore me when I am close to dying as you promised to do
\q2 because you are righteous!
\q1
\v 12 I am one who serves you;
\q1 so because you faithfully love me as you promised to do,
\q2 kill my enemies
\q2 and get rid of all those who oppress me.