Psalm 86

1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.

2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;3 have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.

5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.

6 Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.

7 When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.

9 All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.

10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.

11 Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.

12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.

13 For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.

14 Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
ruthless people are trying to kill me—
they have no regard for you.

15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
just as my mother did.

17 Give me a sign of your goodness,
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

PSALMS 86

A Prayer for Help

1 Please listen, [Lord],
and answer my prayer!
I am poor and helpless.

2 Protect me and save me
because you are my God.
I am your faithful servant,
and I trust you.

3 Be kind to me!
I pray to you all day.

4 Make my heart glad!
I serve you,
and my prayer is sincere.

5 You willingly forgive,
and your love is always there
for those who pray to you.

6 Please listen, [Lord]!
Answer my prayer for help.

7 When I am in trouble, I pray,
knowing you will listen.

8 No other gods are like you;
only you work miracles.

9  t You created each nation,
and they will all bow down
to worship and honor you.

10 You perform great wonders
because you alone are God.

11 Teach me to follow you,
and I will obey your truth.
Always keep me faithful.

12 With all my heart I thank you.
I praise you, [Lord] God.

13 Your love for me is so great
that you protected me
from death and the grave.

14 Proud and violent enemies,
who don't care about you,
have ganged up to attack
and kill me.

15 But you, the Lord God,
are kind and merciful.
You don't easily get angry,
and your love
can always be trusted.

16 I serve you, [Lord],
and I am the child
of one of your servants.
Look on me with kindness.
Make me strong and save me.

17 Show that you approve of me!
Then my hateful enemies
will feel like fools,
because you have helped
and comforted me.