Psalm 86 - David's Prayer for Mercy and an Undivided Heart
David's plea as one both poor and needy, and confident he will be heard.
Unlike the surrounding psalms of Korah, Psalm 86 is labeled simply 'A Prayer of David,' opening with the honest admission 'I am poor and needy.' It follows Psalms 85 with a more personal, first-person voice asking to be taught God's way.
A prayer of David. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long.
Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy.
In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me.
O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours.
All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name.
For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God.
Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.
For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol.
The arrogant rise against me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, with no regard for You.
But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.
Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.
Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed; for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.