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Psalm 86[a]

Prayer in Time of Distress

1 A prayer of David.

I

Incline your ear, Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and oppressed.
2 Preserve my life, for I am devoted;
    save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3 be gracious to me, Lord;
    to you I call all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant;
    to you, Lord, I lift up my soul.(A)
5 Lord, you are good and forgiving,
    most merciful to all who call on you.(B)
6 Lord, hear my prayer;
    listen to my cry for help.(C)
7 On the day of my distress I call to you,
    for you will answer me.

II

8 None among the gods can equal you, O Lord;
    nor can their deeds compare to yours.(D)
9 All the nations you have made shall come
    to bow before you, Lord,
    and give honor to your name.(E)
10 For you are great and do wondrous deeds;
    and you alone are God.

III

11 Teach me, Lord, your way
    that I may walk in your truth,(F)
    single-hearted and revering your name.
12 I will praise you with all my heart,
    glorify your name forever, Lord my God.
13 Your mercy to me is great;
    you have rescued me from the depths of Sheol.(G)
14 O God, the arrogant have risen against me;
    a ruthless band has sought my life;
    to you they pay no heed.
15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in mercy and truth.(H)
16 Turn to me, be gracious to me;
    give your strength to your servant;
    save the son of your handmaid.(I)
17 Give me a sign of your favor:
    make my enemies see, to their confusion,
    that you, Lord, help and comfort me.

Footnotes

  1. 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).