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USB ~ Psalms 86

Prayer in Time of Distress

I

1 A prayer of David. Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and oppressed.

2 Preserve my life, for I am devoted; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God;

3 be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.

4 Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul. a

5 Lord, you are good and forgiving, most merciful to all who call on you. b

6 LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help. c

7 On the day of my distress I call to you, for you will answer me.

II

8 None among the gods can equal you, O Lord; nor can their deeds compare to yours. d

9 All the nations you have made shall come to bow before you, Lord, and give honor to your name. e

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

III

11 Teach me, LORD, your way that I may walk in your truth, f single-hearted and revering your name.

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

13 Your mercy to me is great; you have rescued me from the depths of Sheol. g

14 O God, the arrogant have risen against me; a ruthless band has sought my life; to you they pay no heed.

15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in mercy and truth. h

16 Turn to me, be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant; save the son of your handmaid. i

17 Give me a sign of your favor: make my enemies see, to their confusion, that you, LORD, help and comfort me.

Footnotes

†. Psalm 86 An individual lament. The psalmist, “poor and oppressed” (Ps 86:1), “devoted” (Ps 86:2), “your servant” (Ps 86:2, 4, 16), “rescued
from the depths of Sheol” (Ps 86:13), attacked by the ruthless (Ps 86:14), desires only God’s protection (Ps 86:1-7, 11-17).

  1. 86:4 Ps 25:1; 143:8.

  2. 86:5 Jl 2:13.

  3. 86:6 Ps 5:2; 130:1-2.

  4. 86:8 Ps 35:10; 89:9; Ex 15:11; Dt 3:24; Jer 10:6.

  5. 86:9 Ps 22:28; Zec 14:16; Rev 15:4.

  6. 86:11 Ps 25:4; 26:3; 27:11; 119:12, 35; 143:8, 10.

  7. 86:13 Ps 30:4; 40:3; Jon 2:7.

  8. 86:15 Ps 103:8; 130:7; 145:8; Ex 34:6.

  9. 86:16 Ps 25:16; 116:16; Wis 9:5.

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