Psalm 86:6

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy.

Study Bible

Hear my prayer, O LORD
This phrase reflects the psalmist's deep desire for God to listen to his supplication. The use of "O LORD" signifies a personal relationship with Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. In the context of the Psalms, prayer is a central theme, often expressing dependence on God. The plea for God to "hear" is a common motif, seen in other scriptures such as Psalm 5:1-3 and Psalm 17:1. It underscores the belief that God is attentive to the cries of His people, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament. The psalmist's approach to God in prayer is a model of humility and faith, recognizing God's sovereignty and willingness to engage with His creation.

and attend to my plea for mercy.
The request for God to "attend" indicates a desire for active engagement and response from God. The plea for "mercy" highlights the psalmist's awareness of his own neediness and God's compassionate nature. Mercy, in the biblical sense, often involves God's loving-kindness and forgiveness, as seen in passages like Exodus 34:6-7 and Micah 7:18. This plea is not just for relief from distress but also for God's gracious intervention in the psalmist's life. The concept of mercy is central to the character of God and is fully realized in the New Testament through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies divine mercy and offers it to all who call upon Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his role as the second king of Israel, and his authorship of many psalms.

2. LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God used in the Old Testament, emphasizing His eternal nature and His relationship with His people.

3. Supplications
This term refers to earnest prayers or requests made to God, highlighting the psalmist's dependence on divine intervention.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Prayer
Prayer is a vital communication channel with God, as demonstrated by David's earnest plea for God to hear him.

God's Attentiveness
The psalmist's request for God to "give ear" and "attend" underscores the belief that God is attentive and responsive to the prayers of His people.

Earnestness in Supplication
The use of "supplications" indicates a deep, heartfelt plea, encouraging believers to approach God with sincerity and urgency in their prayers.

Trust in God's Character
David's prayer reflects a trust in God's character as a compassionate and listening God, encouraging believers to have confidence in God's willingness to hear and respond.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the character of God as attentive and responsive influence your approach to prayer?

2. In what ways can you incorporate more earnestness and sincerity in your prayer life, as seen in David's supplications?

3. How do the connections to Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:7 enhance your understanding of God's care and peace in response to prayer?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt God heard your prayers. How did that experience impact your faith and trust in Him?

5. How can you encourage others in your community or church to develop a deeper prayer life based on the principles found in Psalm 86:6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Philippians 4:6-7
This passage encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that guards hearts and minds, similar to the psalmist's plea for God to hear his supplications.

1 Peter 5:7
This verse instructs believers to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them, echoing the trust and reliance on God seen in Psalm 86:6.

Hebrews 4:16
This verse invites believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, aligning with the psalmist's bold request for God to hear his prayer.