1. HEAR MY prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness.

2. And enter not into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no man living is [in himself] righteous or justified. [Ps. 130:3; Rom. 3:20-26; Gal. 2:16.]

3. For the enemy has pursued and persecuted my soul, he has crushed my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in dark places as those who have been long dead.

4. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me [wrapped in gloom]; my heart within my bosom grows numb.

5. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands.

6. I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

7. Answer me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit (the grave).

8. Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.

9. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to You to hide me.

10. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.

11. Save my life, O Lord, for Your name's sake; in Your righteousness, bring my life out of trouble and free me from distress.

12. And in your mercy and loving-kindness, cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my inner self, for I am Your servant.