Psalms 86

1 [A Prayer by David.] Hear, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

A prayer of David. Please listen to me, Lord! Please answer me, for I am weak and really need your help!

2 Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you.

Don't let me die, for I am faithful to you. Save me, for I am your servant and I trust in you. You are my God.

3 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I call to you all day long.

Be kind to me, Lord, for I call out to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, LORD, do I lift up my soul.

Make me happy, Lord, for I've dedicated my life to you.

5 For you, LORD, are good, and ready to forgive; abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.

For you, Lord, are good; you are forgiving and full of trustworthy love for all who come to you.

6 Hear, LORD, my prayer. Listen to the voice of my petitions.

Lord, please listen to my prayer. Hear my call for help.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me.

When I'm in trouble I cry out to you because I know you will answer me.

8 There is no one like you among the gods, LORD, nor any deeds like your deeds.

There's no one like you among the “gods,” Lord. No one can do the things you do.

9 All nations you have made will come and worship before you, LORD. They shall glorify your name.

You created all the nations, and they will come and bow down before you, Lord. They will declare how wonderful you are.

10 For you are great, and do wondrous things. You are God alone.

For you are great, and do wonderful things! Only you are God.

11 Teach me your way, LORD. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.

Lord, please teach me your way, so I can depend on your trustworthiness. Make me single-minded, so I can consistently honor the kind of person you are.

12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with my whole heart. I will glorify your name forevermore.

Lord my God, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will praise your character forever.

13 For your loving kindness is great toward me. You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol. (Sheol h7585)

For your trustworthy love for me is so great; you have saved me from death. (Sheol h7585)

14 God, the proud have risen up against me. A company of violent men have sought after my soul, and they do not hold regard for you before them.

God, arrogant people are attacking me, vicious people are trying to kill me. To them you count for nothing.

15 But you, LORD, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to become angry, full of trustworthy love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant. Save the son of your handmaid.

Turn to me, have mercy on me. Give me your strength, your servant; save the son of your servant-girl.

17 Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, LORD, have helped me, and comforted me.

Show me a sign that you approve of me! Those who hate me will see it, and they will be ashamed because you, Lord, have helped me.