David's Cry to His Father
A prayer of David.
86 1 Bend down and hear me, my Father; answer me, for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you—you are my Father. 3 Be gracious to me, my Sovereign Father, for I cry out to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant's soul, for I lift up my soul to you, my Sovereign Father.
5 For you, my Sovereign Father, are good and forgiving, abounding in covenant love to all who call on you. 6 Hear my prayer, my Father; listen to my pleas for mercy. 7 When I'm in trouble, I call out to you, and you answer me.
8 There is none like you among the gods, my Sovereign Father, and there are no works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and bow down before you, my Sovereign Father, and they will glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are my Father.
11 Teach me your way, my Father, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to fear your name. 12 I will praise you, my Sovereign Father, with all my heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your covenant love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of the grave. a a v13 Sheol is the Hebrew name for the realm of the dead, pictured as the deepest place imaginable.
14 My Father, insolent men have risen against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they give no thought to you. 15 But you, my Sovereign Father, are a compassionate and gracious Father, slow to anger and abounding in covenant love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; grant your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be ashamed, for you, my Father, have helped me and comforted me.