1 A psalm of David, when his son Absalom pursued him. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth: hear me in thy justice.

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

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul: he hath brought down my life to the earth. He hath made me to dwell in darkness as those that have been dead of old:

4 And my spirit is in anguish within me: my heart within me is troubled.

5 I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all thy works: I meditated upon the works of thy hands.

6 I stretched forth my hands to thee: my soul is as earth without water unto thee.

7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit hath fainted away. Turn not away thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

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

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, to thee have I fled:

10 Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God. Thy good spirit shall lead me into the right land:

11 for thy name's sake, O Lord, thou wilt quicken me in thy justice. Thou wilt bring my soul out of trouble:

12 And in thy mercy thou wilt destroy my enemies. And thou wilt cut off all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.