Psalms
Chapter 143
Lord, Hear My Prayer
O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; answer me; you, who are righteous and faithful.
Do not bring your servant to judgment; for no mortal is just in your sight.
The enemy has pursued me, crushing my life to the ground, sending me to darkness, with those long dead.
And so my spirit fails me; my heart is full of fear.
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on what you have done, and consider the work of your hand.
I stretch out my hands to you, and thirst for you, like a parched land.
O Lord, answer me quickly: my spirit is faint with yearning. Do not hide your face from me; save me from going down to the pit.
Let the dawn bring me word of your love; for in you alone, I put my trust. Show me the way I should walk, for to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for to you, I flee for refuge.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my Go Let your Spirit lead me on a safe path.
Preserve me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; free me from distress, in your justice.
You, who are merciful, crush my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
Commentaries
143
We do not always find it possible to connect a particular suffering with a specific sin, but human suffering is a sign of our estrangement from God. In our sorrow, we become aware of that gap and our desperate need for him.
The relationship between sovereign and servant is evident in this individual plea. There is a relationship of love or loyalty between them. The title ‘Servant’ fits very well on Jesus’ lips. As for ourselves, may God not hold us accountable, since, despite our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful (cf. 2 Tim 2:13). When praying this psalm, we realize not only our own unfaithfulness but also God’s faithfulness: despite everything, in the morning, He will show us his love.
‘Show me the way I should walk…’ says the psalmist in verse 8. his prayers were answered when God came down as Jesus and told us in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.’