Psalms

Introduction
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PSALM 86^*

Prayer in Time of Distress

1A prayer of David.

I

Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me,

for I am poor and oppressed.

2Preserve my life, for I am devoted;

save your servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; 3be gracious to me, Lord;

to you I call all the day.

4Gladden the soul of your servant;

to you, Lord, I lift up my soul.^a

5Lord, you are good and forgiving,

most merciful to all who call on you.^b

6LORD, hear my prayer;

listen to my cry for help.^c

7On the day of my distress I call to you,

for you will answer me.

II

8None among the gods can equal you, O Lord;

nor can their deeds compare to yours.^d

9All the nations you have made shall come

to bow before you, Lord,

and give honor to your name.^e

10For you are great and do wondrous deeds;

and you alone are God.

III

11Teach me, LORD, your way

that I may walk in your truth,^f

single-hearted and revering your name.

12I will praise you with all my heart,

glorify your name forever, Lord my God.

13Your mercy to me is great;

you have rescued me from the depths of Sheol.^g

14O God, the arrogant have risen against me;

a ruthless band has sought my life;

to you they pay no heed.

15But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger, abounding in mercy and truth.^h

16Turn to me, be gracious to me;

give your strength to your servant;

save the son of your handmaid.ⁱ

17Give me a sign of your favor:

make my enemies see, to their confusion,

that you, LORD, help and comfort me.

* [Psalm 86] An individual lament. The psalmist, “poor and oppressed” (Ps 86:1), “devoted” (Ps 86:2), “your servant” (Ps 86:2, 4, 16), “rescuedâ€¦from the depths of Sheol” (Ps 86:13), attacked by the ruthless (Ps 86:14), desires only God’s protection (Ps 86:1–7, 11–17).