Psalms 143
What Happens in This Chapter
In this psalm, David asks God to listen to his prayer. Enemies have chased him, and he feels worn out and sad. He remembers the good things God has done long ago. He asks God to answer quickly, to teach him the right way to live, and to save him.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
1LORD, please listen to my prayer. Hear me when I beg for help. You always keep your promises. You always do what is right. So please answer me.
2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
2Please do not put me on trial like a judge. No one alive is good enough to pass your test.
3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
3An enemy has been chasing me. He has knocked my life to the ground. He keeps me in darkness, like people who died long ago.
4Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
4So my spirit is worn out inside me. My heart feels empty and sad.
5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
5I remember the days long ago. I think about everything you have done. I think about the things you made with your hands.
6I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
6I reach my hands out to you. I am thirsty for you, like dry ground needs rain. Selah.
"Selah" is a word found in many psalms. Nobody today knows for sure what it meant. It may have been a music mark, like "pause here."
7Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
7Answer me soon, LORD. My spirit is giving out. Do not turn your face away from me. If you do, I will be like people going down into the grave.
8Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
8Let me hear in the morning how much you love me. I trust you. Show me the way I should go. I lift up my whole self to you.
9Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
9Save me from my enemies, LORD. I run to you to keep me safe.
10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
10Teach me to do what you want. You are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me on smooth, level ground.
The KJV says "the land of uprightness." This means level ground that is easy and safe to walk on.
11Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
11Give me new life, LORD, because of who you are. You do what is right, so pull me out of trouble.
12And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
12Because you love me, stop my enemies. Wipe out everyone who hurts me. I belong to you and serve you.
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