Psalm 86
A prayer of David.
1 Listen O Lord! Answer me!
For I am oppressed and needy.
2 Protect me, for I am loyal!
O my God, deliver your servant, who trusts in you!
3 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I cry out to you all day long!
4 Make your servant glad,
for to you, O Lord, I pray!
5 Certainly O Lord, you are kind and forgiving,
and show great faithfulness to all who cry out to you.
6 O Lord, hear my prayer!
Pay attention to my plea for mercy!
7 In my time of trouble I cry out to you,
for you will answer me.
8 None can compare to you among the gods, O Lord!
Your exploits are incomparable!
9 All the nations, whom you created,
will come and worship you, O Lord.
They will honor your name.
10 For you are great and do amazing things.
You alone are God.
11 O Lord, teach me how you want me to live!
Then I will obey your commands.
Make me wholeheartedly committed to you!
12 O Lord, my God, I will give you thanks with my whole heart!
I will honor your name continually!
13 For you will extend your great loyal love to me,
and will deliver my life from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, arrogant men attack me;
a gang of ruthless men, who do not respect you, seek my life.
15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God.
You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness.
16 Turn toward me and have mercy on me!
Give your servant your strength!
Deliver your slave!
17 Show me evidence of your favor!
Then those who hate me will see it and be ashamed,
for you, O Lord, will help me and comfort 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.