A prayer of David.

1 Listen, Lord, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.  * 86:1 Ps 17:6; 31:2; 70:5

2 Protect my life, for I am faithful.  * 86:2 1Sm 2:9; Ps 37:28

You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.  * 86:2 Ps 109:26

3 Be gracious to me, Lord,

for I call to you all day long.  * 86:3 Ps 25:5; 88:9

4 Bring joy to your servant’s life,

because I appeal to you, Lord.  * 86:4 Ps 25:1; 43:5

5 For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive,  * 86:5 Ps 130:4

abounding in faithful love to all who call on you.  * 86:5 Ps 103:8; 145:8

6 Lord, hear my prayer;

listen to my cries for mercy.  * 86:6 Ps 55:1–2

7 I call on you in the day of my distress,

for you will answer me.  * 86:7 Gn 35:3; Ps 17:6; 20:1

8 Lord, there is no one like you among the gods,

and there are no works like yours.  * 86:8 Ex 15:11; Dt 3:24; Ps 89:6

9 All the nations you have made

will come and bow down before you, Lord,

and will honor your name.  * 86:9 Ps 22:7; Is 66:24; Rv 15:4

10 For you are great and perform wonders;

you alone are God.  * 86:10 2Kg 19:15; Ps 72:18; 83:18; Jr 10:6

11 Teach me your way,  Lord,

and I will live by your truth.

Give me an undivided mind to fear your name.  * 86:11 Ps 25:4–5; 26:3

12 I will praise you with all my heart, Lord my God,

and will honor your name forever.  * 86:12 Ps 111:1

13 For your faithful love for me is great,

and you rescue my life from the depths of Sheol.  * 86:13 Ps 30:3; Ezk 26:20

14 God, arrogant people have attacked me;

a gang of ruthless men intends to kill me.

They do not let you guide them.  * 86:14 Lit They do not set you in front of them,* 86:14 Ps 54:3

15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth.  * 86:15 Ex 34:6; Nm 14:18; Neh 9:17

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me.

Give your strength to your servant;

save the son of your female servant.  * 86:16 Ps 25:16; 68:35

17 Show me a sign of your goodness;

my enemies will see and be put to shame

because you, Lord, have helped and comforted me.  * 86:17 Ps 112:10; 132:18