Bible Glide

Psalms 86

Psalms 86 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 86 is a prayer from David for help in a time of need. He asks God to hear him, protect him, and give him joy. Along the way, David also praises God's goodness, power, and mercy, and asks to be taught God's way.

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What happens in Psalms 86?

David begins by asking the Lord to listen, preserve his life, and show mercy because he is poor, needy, and under pressure. He trusts that God answers in distress and praises Him as the only true God, unlike any other. The prayer then shifts toward a desire for faithful living: David asks for instruction, an undivided heart, and a life that walks in truth. He ends by recalling God's past help, describing the threat of violent enemies, and asking again for mercy, strength, and a clear sign of God's favor.

Psalm 86 is a personal prayer in Book 3 of the Psalms, placed among songs that wrestle with trouble, trust, and God's care for His people. It stands out as one of the few psalms identified as a prayer of David. The chapter combines urgent petition with strong confession of God's character, showing how praise and need often belong together in biblical prayer.

Themes to notice

  • Need and mercyDavid comes to God with honest weakness and asks for mercy instead of relying on himself.
  • God's unique greatnessThe prayer celebrates the Lord as incomparable in power, goodness, and faithful rule over all nations.
  • Wholehearted devotionDavid wants an undivided heart that learns God's way and responds with lasting praise.

Questions for Psalms 86

  • What does David ask God to do for him in his distress, and what does that show about his trust?
  • How does the psalm describe God's character, and why does that matter for prayer?
  • What does it mean to ask God for an undivided heart in the middle of hardship?

Read the full text of Psalms 86 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 86

Tried but Trusting

A prayer of David.

1Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.

2Preserve my soul, for I am godly.

You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.

3Be merciful to me, O Lord,

for I call to You all day long.

4Bring joy to Your servant,

for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

5For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving,

rich in loving devotion to all who call on You.

6Hear my prayer, O LORD,

and attend to my plea for mercy.

7In the day of my distress I call on You,

because You answer me.

8O Lord, there is none like You among the gods,

nor any works like Yours.

9All the nations You have made

will come and bow before You, O Lord,

and they will glorify Your name.

10For You are great and perform wonders;

You alone are God.

11Teach me Your way, O LORD,

that I may walk in Your truth.

Give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear Your name.

12I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart;

I will glorify Your name forever.

13For great is Your loving devotion to me;

You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol.

14The arrogant rise against me, O God;

a band of ruthless men seeks my life,

with no regard for You.

15But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.

16Turn to me and have mercy;

grant Your strength to Your servant;

save the son of Your maidservant.

17Show me a sign of Your goodness,

that my enemies may see and be ashamed;

for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

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