An elder leads a weary petitioner from ruined darkness toward sunrise, water, and a level road

Psalm 143

American Standard Version (1901)
Chapter overview
Psalm 143 asks mercy rather than judgment while enemies drive the speaker into darkness. Remembered works awaken trust, morning love brings guidance, and a revived spirit learns the level path of faithful obedience.
MercyGuidanceMorningRevival

About Psalms: book summary and outline →

1Hear my prayer, O Jehovah; give ear to my supplications: In thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
2And enter not into judgment with thy servant; For in thy sight no man living is righteous.
3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; He hath smitten my life down to the ground: He hath made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead.
4Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is desolate.
5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy doings; I muse on the work of thy hands.
6I spread forth my hands unto thee: My soul thirsteth after thee, as a weary land. [Selah
7Make haste to answer me, O Jehovah; my spirit faileth: Hide not thy face from me, Lest I become like them that go down into the pit.
8Cause 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.
9Deliver me, O Jehovah, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
10Teach me to do thy will; For thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; Lead me in the land of uprightness.
11Quicken me, O Jehovah, for thy name’s sake: In thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
12And in thy lovingkindness cut off mine enemies, And destroy all them that afflict my soul; For I am thy servant.

Verses to memorize from Psalm 143

  • Psalm 143:8Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; For in thee do I…
  • Psalm 143:10Teach me to do thy will; For thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; Lead…

American Standard Version (1901) — Public Domain. Where these translations come from.