Psalm 143
Words: Brady and Tate, A New Version of the Psalms of David
1 Lord hear my pray'r, and to my cry
thy wonted audience lend;
In thy accustomed faith and truth
a gracious answer send.
2 Nor at thy strict tribunal bring
thy servant to be tried;
For in thy sight no living man
can e'er be justified.
3 The spiteful foe pursues my life,
whose comforts all are fled;
He drives me into caves as dark
as mansions of the dead.
4 My spirit therefore is o'erwhelmed,
and sinks within my breast;
My mournful heart grows desolate,
with heavy woes oppressed.
5 I call to mind the days of old,
and wonders thou hast wrought:
My former dangers and escapes
employ my musing thought.
6 To thee my hands in humble pray'r
I fervently stretch out;
My soul for thy refreshment thirsts,
like land oppressed with drought,
7 Hear me with speed; my spirit fails;
thy face no longer hide,
Lest I become forlorn, like them
that in the grave reside.
8 Thy kindness early let me hear,
whose trust on thee depends;
Teach me the way where I should go;
my soul to thee ascends.
9 Do thou, O Lord, from all my foes
preserve and set me free;
A safe retreat against their rage
my soul implores from thee.
10 Thou art my God, thy righteous will
instruct me to obey;
Let thy good Spirit lead and keep
my soul in thy right way.
11 O! for the sake of thy great name,
revive my drooping heart;
For thy truth's sake, to me, distressed,
thy promised aid impart.
12 In pity to my suff'rings, Lord,
reduce my foes to shame;
Slay them that persecute a soul
devoted to thy name.
