1Hear my prayer , O LORD , 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 shall no man living be justified . 3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul ; he hath smitten my life down to the ground ; he hath made me to dwell in darkness , as those that have been long dead . 4Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate .
Despair and Reflection
5I remember the days of old ; I meditate on all thy works ; I muse on the work of thy hands . 6I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land . Selah . 7Hear me speedily , O LORD : my spirit faileth : hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit .
Seeking Guidance and Deliverance
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 LORD , 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 into the land of uprightness .
Hope in God's Faithfulness
11Quicken me, O LORD , for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble . 12And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies , and destroy all them that afflict my soul : for I am thy servant .