A Psalm of David. During the war with the followers of his son, Absalom

1Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my pleas for help; respond to my need out of Your loving compassion and Your righteousness. 2And grant me Your compassionate grace and not Your judgment; for no man living shall be justified in Your sight. 3For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has knocked me to the ground; he would have me to dwell in darkness, like those who have been long dead. 4Therefore my spirit within me is overwhelmed; my heart within me is distressed. 5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I reflect upon the work of Your hands. 6I reach out to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land. Selah. 7Answer me quickly, O LORD; for my spirit is fading. Do not hide Yourself from me, or I will be like those who go down into the grave. 8Let me hear Your loving words of comfort in the morning; for it is in You that I place my trust. Show me the way I should go; as I lift my soul unto You. 9Deliver me, O LORD, from my foes; I resort to You to hide me. 10Teach me to do Your will; for You are my God. Your gracious Spirit will lead me into the land of uprightness. 11Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake; for Your righteousness' sake rescue my soul from danger. 12And by Your unfailing love, destroy my enemies, all those that afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.