Psalm 86

Lament and Petition

A prayer of David.

1   Listen, LORD, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy. y

2   Protect my life, for I am faithful. z

You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. a

3   Be gracious to me, Lord,

for I call to you all day long. b

4   Bring joy to your servant’s life,

because I appeal to you, Lord. c

5   For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, d

abounding in faithful love to all who call on you. e

6   LORD, hear my prayer;

listen to my plea for mercy. f

7   I call on you in the day of my distress,

for you will answer me. g

8   Lord, there is no one like you among the gods,

and there are no works like yours. h

9   All the nations you have made

will come and bow down before you, Lord,

and will honor your name. i

10   For you are great and perform wonders;

you alone are God. j

11   Teach me your way, LORD,

and I will live by your truth.

Give me an undivided mind to fear your name. k

12   I will praise you with all my heart, Lord my God,

and will honor your name forever. l

13   For your faithful love for me is great,

and you rescue my life from the depths of Sheol. m

14   God, arrogant people have attacked me;

a gang of ruthless men intends to kill me.

They do not let you guide them. W,n

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

slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth. o

16   Turn to me and be gracious to me.

Give your strength to your servant;

save the son of your female servant. p

17   Show me a sign of your goodness;

my enemies will see and be put to shame

because you, LORD, have helped and comforted me. q