18 A Song of Entreaty

1Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and in your faithfulness give ear to my supplications;
answer me in your righteousness.

2Enter not into judgement with your servant,
for in your sight shall no one living be justified.

3My spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is desolate.

4I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul gasps for you like a thirsty land.

5O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me;
hide not your face from me
lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

6Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,
for in you I put my trust;
show me the way I should walk in,
for I lift up my soul to you.

7Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God;
let your kindly spirit lead me on a level path.

8Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake;
for your righteousness’sake, bring me out of trouble.

Psalm 143.1, 2, 4, 6-8, 10, 11

AllGlory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.