Psalm 143:7-12 “Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Deliver me, Yahweh, from my enemies. I flee to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, Yahweh, for your name’s sake. In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble. In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.”

This Psalm can make faith seem transactional, i.e. “I trust in You so you should reveal Your love to me.” But I think these are best viewed as requests based on faith and need. “Please answer me because my spirit fails.” “Bless me or I’ll go to the grave.” “Please reveal Your love to me because I trust in You.” “You are my protection, so I need You to deliver me.” “I am your servant; please destroy my enemies.” “You are loving, kind, and righteous, so I trust that You will rescue me!” Faith in the grace and love of God is the basis of our prayers for protection and guidance in this evil world.

For additional worship: In the Garden