Psalm 143
Psalm 143 is the 143rd psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Hear my prayer, O LORD". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible, and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 142. In Latin, it is known as "Domine exaudi orationem meam". It is part of the final Davidic collection of psalms, comprising Psalms 138 to 145, which are specifically attributed to David in their opening verses. It is one of the seven Penitential Psalms. The New King James Version calls it "An Earnest Appeal for Guidance and Deliverance". The psalm has two equal sections, verses 1-6 and 7-12, separated by a Selah.
The psalm is used as a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and other Protestant liturgies; it has been set to music.
Theme
One of the Penitential Psalms, it is a prayer to be delivered from the psalmist's enemies. It takes the form of a King's prayer for victory and peace. According to Augustine of Hippo this psalm was likely written during the period of the rebellion of David's son Absalom.Uses
New Testament
Verse 2b is quoted in Romans.Jewish
Verse 2 is found in the repetition of the Amidah during Rosh Hashanah.Catholic Church
In the Benedictine tradition, Benedict of Nursia selected the psalm to be sung on Saturdays at the Office for Lauds after Psalm 51. A number of monasteries still preserve this tradition.Psalm 143 is recited on the fourth Thursday of the four weekly cycles of liturgical prayers at Lauds in the Liturgy of the Hours, and every Tuesday night at compline.
Eastern Orthodox Church
This psalm is read at every Orthros, Paraklesis, salutations to the Virgin Mary, and Holy Unction service.Coptic Orthodox Church
In the Agpeya, the Coptic Church's book of hours, this psalm is prayed in the office of Prime.Book of Common Prayer
In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the evening of the 29th day of the month, as well as at Evensong on Ash Wednesday.Musical settings
composed a metred paraphrase of Psalm 143 in German, "Herr, mein Gebet erhör in Gnad", SWV 248, for the Becker Psalter, published first in 1628.Alan Hovhaness set verses 1 and 5 in his 1936 work Hear my prayer, O Lord.