1<A Psalm. Of David.> Let my prayer come to you, O Lord; give ear to my requests for your grace; keep faith with me, and give me an answer in your righteousness;

2Let not your servant come before you to be judged; for no man living is upright in your eyes.

3The evil man has gone after my soul; my life is crushed down to the earth: he has put me in the dark, like those who have long been dead.

4Because of this my spirit is overcome; and my heart is full of fear.

5I keep in mind the early days of the past, giving thought to all your acts, even to the work of your hands.

6My hands are stretched out to you: my soul is turned to you, like a land in need of water. (Selah.)

7Be quick in answering me, O Lord, for the strength of my spirit is gone: let me see your face, so that I may not be like those who go down into the underworld.

8Let the story of your mercy come to me in the morning, for my hope is in you: give me knowledge of the way in which I am to go; for my soul is lifted up to you.

9O Lord, take me out of the hands of my haters; my soul is waiting for you.

10Give me teaching so that I may do your pleasure; for you are my God: let your good Spirit be my guide into the land of righteousness.

11Give me life, O Lord, because of your name; in your righteousness take my soul out of trouble.

12And in your mercy put an end to my haters, and send destruction on all those who are against my soul; for I am your servant.