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