Prayer of a Penitent in Distress
A psalm of David.
O Lord, hear my prayer, incline your ear to my supplications. In your faithfulness respond to me with your righteousness. Do not subject your servant to your judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. An enemy has stalked me unrelentingly and crushed me into the ground; he has left me to live in darkness like those long dead.
My spirit is faint within me, and my heart has succumbed to fear. I remember the days of old, reflecting on all your actions and meditating on the works of your hands
I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
Answer me quickly, O Lord, for my spirit grows faint.
Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. At dawn let me experience your kindness, for in you I place my trust. Show me the path I must walk, for to you I lift up my soul.
Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for in you I seek refuge.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
Let your gracious Spirit lead me along a level path.
For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness deliver me from distress.
In your kindness, destroy my enemies, and annihilate all those who oppress me, for I am your servant.