March 29, 2011

Psalm 86: a Prayer of David*



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 God3 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.


*There's so much here, I've bolded what the Psalm tells us about who God is.  You could also make a list of what we see about what God has done and/or the things David feels confident he can ask God for.  Then think about how it applies to you!  A little inductive Bible study to start the day.

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