Psalm 143

(from Day 29 Evening Prayer)

Domine, exaudi

1. HEAR my prayer, O Lord, and consider my desire: hearken unto me for thy truth and righteousness' sake.
2. And enter not into judgement 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 laid me in the darkness, as the men that have been long dead.
4. Therefore is my spirit vexed within me: and my heart within me is desolate.
5. Yet do I remember the time past; I muse upon all thy works: yea, I exercise myself in the works of thy hands.
6. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul gaspeth unto thee as a thirsty land.
7. Hear me, O Lord, and that soon, for my spirit waxeth faint: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
8. O let me hear thy loving-kindness betimes in the morning, for in thee is my trust: shew thou me the way that I should walk in, for I lift up my soul unto thee.
9. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: for I flee unto thee to hide me.
10. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee, for thou art my God: let thy loving Spirit lead me forth into the land of righteousness.
11. Quicken me, O Lord, for thy Name's sake: and for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12. And of thy goodness slay mine enemies: and destroy all them that vex my soul ; for I am thy servant.