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 Thine ear, O HaShem, and answer me; for I am poor and needy.
Keep my soul, for I am godly; O Thou my G-d, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee.
Be gracious unto me, O L-rd; for unto Thee do I cry all the day.
Rejoice the soul of Thy servant; for unto Thee, O L-rd, do I lift up my soul.
For Thou, L-rd, art good, and ready to pardon, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.
Give ear, O HaShem, unto my prayer; and attend unto the voice of my supplications.
In the day of my trouble I call upon Thee; for Thou wilt answer me.
There is none like unto Thee among the gods, O L-rd, and there are no works like Thine.
All nations whom Thou hast made shall come and prostrate themselves before Thee, O L-rd; and they shall glorify Thy name.
For Thou art great, and doest wondrous things; Thou art G-d alone.
Teach me, O HaShem, Thy way, that I may walk in Thy truth; make one my heart to fear Thy name.
I will thank Thee, O L-rd my G-d, with my whole heart; and I will glorify Thy name for evermore.
For great is Thy mercy toward me; and Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest nether-world.
O G-d, the proud are risen up against me, and the company of violent men have sought after my soul, and have not set Thee before them.
But Thou, O L-rd, art a G-d full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
O turn unto me, and be gracious unto me; give Thy strength unto Thy servant, and save the son of Thy handmaid.
Work in my behalf a sign for good; that they that hate me may see it, and be put to shame, because Thou, HaShem, hast helped me, and comforted me.