Psalm 143

International Children’s Bible

A Prayer Not to Be Killed

A song of David.

143 Lord, hear my prayer.
    Listen to my cry for mercy.
Come to help me
    because you are loyal and good.
²Don’t judge me, your servant,
    because no one alive is right before you.
³My enemies are chasing me.
    They have crushed me to the ground.
They have made me live in darkness
    like those who are long dead.
⁴I am afraid.
    My courage is gone.

⁵I remember what happened long ago.
    I recall everything you have done.
    I think about all you have made.
⁶I lift my hands to you in prayer.
    As a dry land needs rain, I thirst for you. Selah

⁷Lord, answer me quickly.
    I am getting weak.
Don’t turn away from me,
    or I will be like those who are dead.
⁸Tell me in the morning about your love.
    I trust you.
Show me what I should do
    because my prayers go up to you.
⁹Lord, save me from my enemies.
    I come to you for safety.
¹⁰Teach me to do what you want,
    because you are my God.
Let your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

¹¹Lord, let me live
    so people will praise you.
In your goodness
    save me from my troubles.
¹²In your love defeat my enemies.
    Destroy all those who trouble me
    because I am your servant.