1A Psalm of David, when his son pursued him. O Lord, attend to my prayer: hearken to my supplication in thy truth; hear me in thy righteousness.

2And enter not into judgment with thy servant, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has brought my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in a dark place, as those that have been long dead.

4Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.

5I remembered the days of old; and I meditated on all thy doings: yea, I meditated on the works of thine hands.

6I spread forth my hands to thee; my soul thirsts for thee, as a dry land. Pause.

7Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit has failed; turn not away thy face from me, else I shall be like to them that go down to the pit.

8Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning; for I have hoped in thee; make known to me, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for I have lifted up my soul to thee.

9Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to thee for refuge.

10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God; thy good Spirit shall guide me in the ²⁵⁴straight way.

11Thou shalt quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake; in thy righteousness thou shalt bring my soul out of affliction.

12And in thy mercy thou wilt destroy mine enemies, and wilt destroy all those that afflict my soul; for I am thy servant.