Lament

Read through this once. Then pray it outloud to God. David is in a depressed and distressed state of mind when he begins to pray until worshiping and praising God is what lifts him out of his depression. In the MacArthur Commentary, he points out three basis that make up the requests in the prayer.

1. The Request for God's Attention (86:1-7)
2. The Testimony to God's Uniqueness (86:8-13)
3. The Plea for God's Deliverance (86:14-17)

You can read this psalm in any translation. I have used the NLT because that is the form I originally read it in. The New King James Version is just as lovely, as are the NIV, ESV, and NASB. In fact, I recommend it to get an idea of what the psalmist is saying.

So go ahead and recite it to God. It is one powerful prayer.

Psalm 86

¹ Bend 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.

⁸ No 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.

¹¹ Teach 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.

¹⁴ O 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.