David prays from the pit of opposition in Psalm 86 - surrounded by enemies, calling on the only God who is merciful, incomparable, and who answers. Its center is one of the most prayed petitions in history: “Teach me your way, LORD. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.”

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

Hear, LORD, and answer me For I am poor and needy

Preserve my soul for I am godly You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you Be merciful to me, Lord For I call to you all day long Bring joy to the soul of your servant For to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul

For you, Lord, are good and ready to forgive Abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you Hear, LORD, my prayer Listen to the voice of my petitions In the day of my trouble I will call on you For you will answer me

There is no one like you amongst the gods, Lord Nor any deeds like your deeds All nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord They shall glorify your name

For you are great and do wondrous things You are God alone Teach me your way, LORD I will walk in your truth Make my heart undivided to fear your name

I will praise you, Lord my God, with my whole heart I will glorify your name for ever more For your loving kindness is great towards me You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol God the proud have risen up against me A company of violent men have sought after my soul

And they don’t hold regard for you before them But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God Slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness and truth Turn to me and have mercy on me Give your strength to your servant Save the son of your servant

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 For you are great and do wondrous things

You are God alone I will praise you forever more

Listen

Psalms 86 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press