Psalm 86

International Children’s Bible

A Cry for Help

A prayer of David.

86 Lord, listen to me and answer me.
    I am poor and helpless.
²Protect me, because I worship you.
    My God, save me, your servant.
    I trust in you.
³Lord, be merciful to me.
    I have called to you all day.
⁴Give happiness to me, your servant.
    Lord, I give my life to you.
⁵Lord, you are kind and forgiving.
    You have great love for those who call to you.
⁶Lord, hear my prayer.
    Listen when I ask for mercy.
⁷I call to you in times of trouble.
    You certainly will answer me.

⁸Lord, there is no god like you.
    There are no works like yours.
⁹Lord, all the nations you have made
    will come and worship you.
    They will honor you.
¹⁰You are great, and you do miracles.
    Only you are God.
¹¹Lord, teach me what you want me to do.
    And I will live by your truth.
Teach me to respect you completely.
¹²Lord, my God, I will praise you with all my heart.
    I will honor your name forever.
¹³You have great love for me.
    You have saved me from death.

¹⁴God, proud men turn against me.
    A gang of cruel men are trying to kill me.
    They do not respect you.
¹⁵But Lord, you are a God who shows mercy and is kind.
    You don’t become angry quickly.
    You have great love and faithfulness.
¹⁶Turn to me and be merciful.
    Give me, your servant, strength.
    Save me, the son of your female servant.
¹⁷Show me a sign of your goodness.
    When my enemies look, they will be ashamed.
    You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.