Psalms 142-144

Psalm 142

1 BEHOLD me unprotected stand, No friendly guardian at my hand; No place of flight, no refuge near, And none to whom my soul is dear.

2 But, Lord, to Thee I pour my vow, My hope, my place of refuge Thou: And whilst the light of life I see, I still my portion find in Thee.

3 Then hear and heed my fervent cry, For low, oppress'd with grief, I lie;

Against ray foes Thy arm display, For I am weak, and powerful they.

4 Come loose my prison-bands, set free My soul, that I may sing to Thee:

Then shall the righteous round me press, And join Thy bounteous love to bless.

Richard Mant, 1824.

Psalm 143

1 HEAR, O my God, with pity hear, My humble supplicating moan; In mercy answer all my prayer, And make Thy truth and goodness known.

2 And oh! let mercy still be nigh; Should awful justice frown severe, Before the terrors of Thine eye, What trembling mortal can appear?

3 I call to mind the former days;

Thy ancient works declare Thy name, Thy truth, Thy goodness, and Thy grace; And these, O Lord, are still the same.

4 Come, Lord, on wings of mercy fly, My spirit fails at Thy delay;

Hide not Thy face; I faint, I die, Without Thy blissful healing ray.

5 Teach me to do Thy sacred will;

Thou art my God, my hope, my stay;

Let Thy good Spirit lead me still, And point the safe, the upright way.

6 Thy name, Thy righteousness I plead, O Lord, revive my drooping heart;

Let these distressing fears recede, And bid my troubles all depart.

Anne Steele, 1760

Psalm 144

1 I'LL bless my Saviour God, Who doeth all things right;

Arm'd with His Spirit's two-edged sword, Against my foes I'll fight.

2 My goodness, and high tower, My fortress, and my shield;

Depending on His love and power I'll boldly take the field.

3 My Saviour shall subdue The powers of earth and hell;

Behold, He maketh all things new, He doeth all things well.

John Beaumont, 1834.