Psalm 86


1. Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;
    
answer me, for I need your help.


2. Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
    
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
    
You are my God.


3. Be merciful to me, O Lord,
    
for I am calling on you constantly.


4. Give me happiness, O Lord,
    
for I give myself to you.


5. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
    
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.


6. Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
    
hear my urgent cry.


7. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble,
    
and you will answer me.


8. No pagan god is like you, O Lord.
    
None can do what you do!


9. All the nations you made
    
will come and bow before you, Lord;
    
they will praise your holy name.


10. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.
    
You alone are God.


11. Teach me your ways, O LORD,
    
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
    
so that I may honor you.


12. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
    
I will give glory to your name forever,


13. for your love for me is very great.
    You have rescued me from the depths of death.

14. O God, insolent people rise up against me;
    
a violent gang is trying to kill me.
    
You mean nothing to them.


15. But you, O Lord,
    
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
    
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.


16. Look down and have mercy on me.
    
Give your strength to your servant;
    
save me, the son of your servant.


17. Send me a sign of your favor.
    
Then those who hate me will be put to shame,
    for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.