PSALM 86*
Prayer in Time of Distress
I
Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and oppressed.
save your servant who trusts in you.
to you I call all the day.
to you, Lord, I lift up my soul.a
most merciful to all who call on you.b
listen to my cry for help.c
for you will answer me.
II
nor can their deeds compare to yours.d
to bow before you, Lord,
and give honor to your name.e
and you alone are God.
III
that I may walk in your truth,f
single-hearted and revering your name.
glorify your name forever, Lord my God.
you have rescued me from the depths of Sheol.g
a ruthless band has sought my life;
to you they pay no heed.
slow to anger, abounding in mercy and truth.h
give your strength to your servant;
save the son of your handmaid.i
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), “rescued…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).
d. [86:8] Ps 35:10; 89:9; Ex 15:11; Dt 3:24; Jer 10:6.
e. [86:9] Ps 22:28; Zec 14:16; Rev 15:4.
f. [86:11] Ps 25:4; 26:3; 27:11; 119:12, 35; 143:8, 10.
g. [86:13] Ps 30:4; 40:3; Jon 2:7.
Copyright 2019-2025 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy