Psalm 143 (Tate & Brady)

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.