Psalm 86

Lament and Petition

A prayer of David.

Listen, Lord, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.a

2Protect my life, for I am faithful.a

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

3Be gracious to me, Lord,

for I call to you all day long.a

4Bring joy to your servant’s life,

because I appeal to you, Lord.a

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

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

6Lord, hear my prayer;

listen to my cries for mercy.a

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

for you will answer me.a

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

and there are no works like yours.a

9All the nations you have made

will come and bow down before you, Lord,

and will honor your name.a

10For you are great and perform wonders;

you alone are God.a

11Teach me your way, Lord,

and I will live by your truth.

Give me an undivided mind to fear your name.a

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

and will honor your name forever.a

13For your faithful love for me is great,

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

14God, arrogant people have attacked me;

a gang of ruthless men intends to kill me.

They do not let you guide them.a a

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

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

16Turn to me and be gracious to me.

Give your strength to your servant;

save the son of your female servant.a

17Show me a sign of your goodness;

my enemies will see and be put to shame

because you, Lord, have helped and comforted me.a