1 PSALM 86 A Psalm of Supplication and Trust. A Prayer of David. Incline Your ear, O L, and answer me,For I am distressed and needy [I long for Your help].
2 Protect my life (soul), for I am godlyandfaithful;O You my God, save Your servant, who trusts in You [believing in You and relying on You, confidently committing everything to You].
3 Be graciousandmerciful to me, O Lord,For to You I cry out all the day long.
4 Make Your servant rejoice,For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul [all that I am—in prayer].
5 For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our sins, sending them away, completely letting them go forever and ever];And abundant in lovingkindnessandoverflowing in mercy to all those who call upon You.
6 Hear, O L, my prayer;And listen attentively to the voice of my supplications (specific requests)!
7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,For You will answer me.
8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord,Nor are there any works [of wonder and majesty] like Yours.
9 All nations whom You have made shall come and kneel down in worship before You, O Lord,And they shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great and do wondrous works!You alone are God.
11 Teach me Your way, O L,I will walkandlive in Your truth;Direct my heart to fear Your name [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder].
12 I will give thanksandpraise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart;And will glorify Your name forevermore.
13 For great is Your lovingkindnessandgraciousness toward me;And You have rescued my life from the depths of Sheol [from death].
14 O God, arrogantandinsolent men have risen up against me;A band of violent men have sought my life,And they have not set You before them.
15 But You, O Lord, are a God [who protects and is] merciful and gracious,Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me;Grant Your strength [Your might and the power to resist temptation] to Your servant,And save the son of Your handmaid.
17 Show me a sign of [Your] goodwill,That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed,Because You, O L, helped and comforted me.