Chiasm

Psalm 143:1–12

Psalm 143:1–125 matched frames

Read down to the center, where the pattern turns; then rise back out through its mirror.

A 1-2 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
- B 3-4 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
  - C 5-6 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land.
    - D 7 Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
      - E 8a Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:
      - E' 8b cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
    - D' 9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
  - C' 10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
- B' 11-12 Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul:
A' 12b for I am thy servant.