An empty wooden bowl on the worn doorstep of a poor stone house in plain morning shade, a blank plastered wall and pale sky rising above it.

Lament · David

Psalm 86

When you have nothing to offer God but who He is. Watch how often David says ‘for’.

17 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

Tap any post to go deeper

Where we are

1–41Book IDavid's prayers: 'The LORD is my shepherd'
42–72Book II'As the deer pants'; the throne under pressure
73–89Book IIIAsaph and Korah: the kingdom fallsPsalm 86
90–106Book IVBack to Moses: the LORD reigns
107–150Book VSongs of ascents, and the last Hallelujah

Tried but Trusting

A prayer of David.

Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my soul, for I am godly.

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

Be merciful to me, O Lord,

for I call to You all day long.

Bring joy to Your servant,

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

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

Night on a bare ridge, one very small man seen from far behind with his hands raised, dark land below and a huge quiet sky above.

For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving,

rich in loving devotion to all who call on You.

Hear my prayer, O LORD,

and attend to my plea for mercy.

In the day of my distress I call on You,

because You answer me.

0:14

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Teach me Your way, O LORD,

that I may walk in Your truth.

Give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear Your name.

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

I will glorify Your name forever.

For great is Your loving devotion to me;

You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol.

Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.

Psalm 86:11

Pray

One heart

Pray verse 11 slowly. When you reach “an undivided heart,” name what divides yours.

Dusk, a small band of armed men moving in file along a far ridge line, nothing near them, a lone dark house in the foreground.

The arrogant rise against me, O God;

a band of ruthless men seeks my life;

they have no regard for You.

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

slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.

Turn to me and have mercy;

grant Your strength to Your servant;

save the son of Your maidservant.

Show me a sign of Your goodness,

that my enemies may see and be ashamed;

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

You’ve experienced

Psalm 86

0 of 150 psalms read

A verse to carry with you

Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.

Psalm 86:11

or swipe left