Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.A Cry for Help
David begins with a plea for God to hear and answer him, acknowledging his neediness and dependence on God. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy (Psalm 86:1).

Recognition of God's Character
David emphasizes God's goodness, forgiveness, and love. For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You (Psalm 86:5).

A Call for Guidance
David seeks God's guidance and strength, asking for an undivided heart to fear His name. Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart to fear Your name (Psalm 86:11).

Confidence in God's Sovereignty
Despite his troubles, David expresses confidence in God's power and sovereignty. For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God (Psalm 86:10).

A Plea for Deliverance
David concludes with a plea for deliverance and a demonstration of God's goodness. Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed (Psalm 86:17).Approach God with Humility
Like David, acknowledge your need for God in every aspect of your life.

Trust in God's Character
Remind yourself of God's goodness, forgiveness, and love, especially in times of trouble.

Seek God's Guidance
Regularly ask God to teach you His ways and to give you a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

Rest in God's Sovereignty
Have confidence that God is in control and capable of performing wonders in your life.

Pray for Deliverance
Don't hesitate to ask God for deliverance and for His goodness to be evident in your life.1. David
The author of the psalm, who is praying to God. David is depicted as a servant of God, seeking mercy, protection, and guidance. He acknowledges his need for God's help and expresses his trust in God's faithfulness.

2. God (Yahweh)
The primary recipient of David's prayer. God is described as merciful, gracious, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. David appeals to God's character and attributes, seeking His intervention and deliverance.

In the original Hebrew, the name for God used in this psalm is "Yahweh" (יהוה), which is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. David's use of this name reflects a personal and covenantal relationship with God.Psalm 86, as presented in the Berean Standard Bible, does not explicitly mention specific geographical places. Instead, it is a prayer of David that focuses on themes of supplication, praise, and trust in God. The psalm is more concerned with spiritual and relational aspects rather than physical locations. Therefore, there are no specific places to list from Psalm 86 in the BSB.

1. David's Plea for God's Attention
David begins by asking God to "incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me" (Psalm 86:1). This reflects his deep sense of need and dependence on God, emphasizing the Hebrew root "natah" (נָטָה), meaning to stretch out or incline.

2. Declaration of His Neediness
He acknowledges his own poverty and need, saying, "for I am poor and needy" (Psalm 86:1). This highlights his humility and recognition of his dependence on God.

3. Request for Preservation and Deliverance
David asks God to "preserve my soul, for I am godly" (Psalm 86:2). The term "godly" comes from the Hebrew "chasid" (חָסִיד), indicating a faithful or pious person.

4. Cry for Mercy
He pleads for God's mercy, saying, "Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long" (Psalm 86:3). The Hebrew word "chanan" (חָנַן) is used here, meaning to show favor or be gracious.

5. Seeking Joy in God's Presence
David asks God to "bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul" (Psalm 86:4). This reflects his desire for spiritual joy and fulfillment in God's presence.

6. Affirmation of God's Goodness and Forgiveness
He acknowledges God's character, stating, "For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You" (Psalm 86:5). The Hebrew "chesed" (חֶסֶד) is used for "loving devotion," indicating steadfast love or mercy.

7. Prayer for God's Listening Ear
David repeats his request for God to hear his prayer, saying, "Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer, and attend to my plea for mercy" (Psalm 86:6).

8. Confidence in God's Response
He expresses confidence that God will answer, "In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me" (Psalm 86:7).

9. Recognition of God's Uniqueness
David declares God's uniqueness, "Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord" (Psalm 86:8), affirming monotheism and God's supremacy.

10. Anticipation of Universal Worship
He foresees a time when "all the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord" (Psalm 86:9), reflecting a prophetic vision of universal worship.

11. Praise for God's Greatness
David praises God's greatness, "For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God" (Psalm 86:10).

12. Request for Guidance and a Unified Heart
He asks for guidance, "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart to fear Your name" (Psalm 86:11).

13. Commitment to Praise
David commits to praising God, "I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart" (Psalm 86:12).

14. Acknowledgment of God's Love and Deliverance
He acknowledges God's love and deliverance, "For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol" (Psalm 86:13).

15. Petition for Protection from Enemies
David seeks protection from his enemies, "O God, the proud have risen against me" (Psalm 86:14).

16. Appeal to God's Compassion and Grace
He appeals to God's compassion, "But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God" (Psalm 86:15).

17. Final Plea for Strength and Vindication
David concludes with a plea for strength and vindication, "Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed" (Psalm 86:17).1. A Plea for God's Attention
David begins by asking God to listen to his prayer: "Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy" (Psalm 86:1). The Hebrew word for "incline" (הַטֵּ֣ה, "hatteh") suggests a bending down, indicating David's desire for God's personal attention.

2. Dependence on God's Protection
David expresses his trust in God's protection: "Guard my soul, for I am godly; You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You" (Psalm 86:2). The term "godly" (חָסִיד, "chasid") refers to one who is faithful or devoted, highlighting David's covenant relationship with God.

3. Request for Mercy
David seeks God's mercy: "Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long" (Psalm 86:3). The Hebrew root for "merciful" (חָנַן, "chanan") conveys the idea of graciousness and favor.

4. Joy in God's Presence
He asks for joy: "Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul" (Psalm 86:4). The lifting of the soul signifies an act of worship and surrender to God.

5. Recognition of God's Goodness and Forgiveness
David acknowledges God's character: "For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You" (Psalm 86:5). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, "chesed") is often translated as steadfast love or covenant loyalty.

6. Confidence in God's Response
He expresses confidence that God will answer: "In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me" (Psalm 86:7). This reflects a deep trust in God's faithfulness.

7. Uniqueness of God
David declares God's uniqueness: "Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; no deeds can compare to Yours" (Psalm 86:8). This affirms the monotheistic belief in the one true God.

8. Future Worship by All Nations
He prophesies universal worship: "All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name" (Psalm 86:9). This anticipates the eschatological vision of all nations recognizing God's sovereignty.

9. Desire for Instruction in God's Ways
David seeks guidance: "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart to fear Your name" (Psalm 86:11). The request for an "undivided heart" emphasizes sincerity and wholehearted devotion.

10. Praise and Glorification of God
He commits to praise: "I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever" (Psalm 86:12). This reflects a commitment to worship and honor God continually.

11. Acknowledgment of God's Deliverance
David recounts God's deliverance: "For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol" (Psalm 86:13). The term "Sheol" refers to the realm of the dead, indicating a rescue from dire circumstances.

12. Appeal for God's Strength Against Enemies
He asks for strength against adversaries: "O God, the arrogant rise against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, with no regard for You" (Psalm 86:14). This highlights the reality of opposition faced by the faithful.

13. Trust in God's Compassion and Grace
David concludes with trust in God's compassion: "But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness" (Psalm 86:15). This echoes the divine attributes revealed in Exodus 34:6.

14. Final Plea for God's Favor and Vindication
He ends with a plea for favor: "Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed, for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me" (Psalm 86:17). The request for a "sign" indicates a desire for visible evidence of God's support.1. Dependence on God
Psalm 86 emphasizes the psalmist's reliance on God for help and guidance. The psalmist begins by asking God to "incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy" (Psalm 86:1). The Hebrew word for "poor" (עָנִי, 'ani) conveys a sense of humility and dependence, highlighting the psalmist's recognition of his need for divine assistance.

2. God's Mercy and Grace
The theme of God's mercy is prevalent throughout the psalm. In verse 3, the psalmist pleads, "Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long" (Psalm 86:3). The Hebrew word for "merciful" (חָנַן, chanan) suggests a gracious and compassionate response from God, underscoring His willingness to forgive and support those who seek Him.

3. God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty
The psalmist acknowledges the uniqueness and sovereignty of God, declaring, "Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord, nor any works like Yours" (Psalm 86:8). This theme is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of God as the one true God, distinct from all other deities, and emphasizes His supreme authority and power.

4. Praise and Worship
Praise and worship are central themes, as the psalmist commits to glorifying God's name. In verse 12, he states, "I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever" (Psalm 86:12). The Hebrew word for "praise" (יָדָה, yadah) involves a deep expression of gratitude and reverence, reflecting the psalmist's devotion.

5. God's Faithfulness and Truth
The psalmist highlights God's faithfulness and truth, affirming, "For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol" (Psalm 86:13). The Hebrew term for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) encompasses God's steadfast love and loyalty, assuring believers of His unwavering commitment to His promises.

6. Deliverance and Protection
The theme of deliverance and protection is evident as the psalmist seeks God's intervention against adversaries. He prays, "Guard my life, for I am faithful; You are my God. Save Your servant who trusts in You" (Psalm 86:2). The Hebrew root for "guard" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies vigilant protection, emphasizing God's role as a defender of those who trust in Him.

7. God's Compassion and Longsuffering
The psalmist acknowledges God's compassion and patience, stating, "But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" (Psalm 86:15). The Hebrew word for "compassionate" (רַחוּם, rachum) reflects God's tender mercy, highlighting His readiness to forgive and His enduring patience with humanity.1. Psalm 86:5 – How can a God said to be “abounding in steadfast love” align with the severity of punishments described elsewhere in the Old Testament?

2. Psalm 86:8 – Does acknowledging the existence of “other gods” conflict with the Bible’s insistence on strict monotheism?

3. Psalm 86:11 – What historical or archaeological evidence exists to support that David personally composed this prayer?

4. Psalm 86:15 – How do we reconcile a “compassionate and gracious” God with accounts of divine wrath and destruction throughout the Bible?

5. Psalm 86 – Can claims of miraculous divine intervention withstand scientific scrutiny when viewed alongside purportedly natural explanations?

1. How does Psalm 86 reflect David's humility and dependence on God?

2. What does David's repeated plea for God's mercy suggest about his understanding of God's nature?

3. How does David describe God's supremacy in verses 8-10? What implications does this have for our understanding of God?

4. How does David's pledge in verses 11-13 reveal his commitment to God?

5. How does David's prayer against enemies reflect his faith in God's protection and righteousness?

6. What can we learn about David's perspective on worship from Psalm 86?

7. How does David portray his trust in God throughout the Psalm? How might this inform your own faith journey?

8. In what ways does Psalm 86 challenge your understanding of prayer and petition?

9. How can we apply David's attitude towards adversity to our own struggles in contemporary times?

10. How does the concept of God's unfailing love in Psalm 86 resonate with your personal experiences?

11. How does the plea for guidance in verse 11 relate to seeking direction in our personal or professional lives today?

12. How can Psalm 86 inspire a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in our lives?

13. What aspects of David's relationship with God in Psalm 86 can we emulate in our own relationship with God?

14. How can the assurance of God's goodness, as illustrated in Psalm 86, affect our responses to challenging situations?

15. How does David's confidence in God's responsiveness inform your prayer life?

16. How can we foster a spirit of unwavering faith, as portrayed by David in Psalm 86, in times of personal crisis?

17. How might the themes of mercy and love in Psalm 86 help us cultivate more compassionate attitudes towards others?

18. What strategies from Psalm 86 can we use to strengthen our faith during difficult times?

19. How does David's anticipation of God's intervention inform our understanding of hope and patience?

20. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's deliverance, as illustrated by David in Psalm 86?