Psalm 86

A prayer of David. ¹Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. ² Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. ³ Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. ⁴ Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. ⁵ O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. ⁶ Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. ⁷ I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.

⁸No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! ⁹ All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. ¹⁰ For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.

¹¹Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. ¹² With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, ¹³ for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. Hebrew of Sheol.

¹⁴O God, insolent people rise up against me; a violent gang is trying to kill me. You mean nothing to them. ¹⁵ But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. ¹⁶ Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant. ¹⁷ Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.