Psalm 143
Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies
A Psalm of David.
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness;
answer me in your righteousness.
2 Do not enter into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 For the enemy has pursued me,
crushing my life to the ground,
making me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is appalled.
5 I remember the days of old,
I think about all your deeds,
I meditate on the works of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.Selah
7 Answer me quickly, O Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me,
or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
8 Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Save me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.[a]
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
Let your good spirit lead me
on a level path.
11 For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life.
In your righteousness bring me out of trouble.
12 In your steadfast love cut off my enemies,
and destroy all my adversaries,
for I am your servant.
Prayer
Today, with all the bluster of fall giving way to winter, we offer thanks that you are the Lord of all creation. We offer thanks for the gifts of love and family, friendship and joy. We offer up prayers for those who are lonely, grieving, and sad. We offer thanks for the gift of your church and the connections we have with you and others. We pray for those who are without faith and do not know about your love. We offer thanks for the gifts of healing for those who have had surgeries or come through illness. We pray for those who are suffering, who are in the hospitals, who are at home. We pray for the doctors and nurses and other healthcare workers who give so much to heal us. (Offer up personal prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.) Amen.