When we read Psalm 143, one thing stands out immediately: the psalmist speaks to God with bold, honest imperatives — Hear me. Answer me. Teach me. Lead me. Deliver me. In the original Hebrew language, an imperative is a verb that commands or urges someone to action. These imperatives here are not the demands of an arrogant heart, but the cries of someone who knows he has nowhere else to go. He is pressed, troubled, surrounded, and at the edge of despair. Yet instead of turning inward or collapsing under fear, he turns upward. Every imperative in this psalm is a reminder of faith: he believes God is near enough to hear, merciful enough to answer, and strong enough to save. Faith speaks with urgency because faith believes God truly listens.

The psalmist’s faith and boldness to ask does not come from confidence in himself. It comes from confidence in who God is. Every plea is anchored in two attributes: God’s faithfulness and God’s righteousness.

The psalmist says “In Your faithfulness answer me, in Your righteousness.” (v.1c) These words form the foundation of the entire psalm. In English, the sentence may sound awkward, but in Hebrew the structure is intentional: the two attributes of God, “His faithfulness and His righteousness” frame the central appeal from the psalmist to the Lord, “answer me” creating the pattern: “In Your faithfulness — answer me — in Your righteousness.” The psalmist’s urgent plea for God to act is grounded not in himself, but in his confident trust that God is both faithful and righteous.

God’s faithfulness means He is utterly reliable — steady, dependable, unchanging. He keeps His promises, remains true to His covenant, and never abandons His people. This faithfulness of God invites boldness: we can pray with confidence because God can always be counted on.

God’s righteousness describes His perfect integrity and justice. He always acts rightly and fulfils His promises. God always does what is right, what is true, and what He has promised. His righteousness is not only a standard; it is an active force that sets things right. He protects His people, defends the weak, and saves those who cry to Him. This righteousness of God invites boldness: we can pray with confidence because His righteousness brings rightness.

Dear brothers and sisters, Psalm 143 invites us to pray with the same bold imperatives: Hear me, Answer me, Teach me, Lead me, Deliver me. When we pray like the psalmist, we are boldly asking God to act. This boldness is not in ourselves; it is in God’s character. Faithfulness and righteousness give us confidence that He will listen, respond, guide, and rescue.

Today, let your prayer reflect this same trust:

Hear me, Lord! Answer me in Your faithfulness! Teach me and lead me in Your righteousness! Deliver me!

We pray boldly because He is faithful. He is righteous. He will act.

Prayer:

Lord, in Your faithfulness hear me, and in Your righteousness answer me. When I am weak, teach me; when I am unsure, lead me; when I am overwhelmed, deliver me. My hope is not in myself but in who You are — faithful and righteous. Draw me near, and help me trust You today. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.