An Urgent Cry For Help

Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;

answer me, for I need your help.

Protect me, for I am devoted to you.

Save me, for I serve you and trust you.

You are my God.

Be merciful to me, O Lord,

for I am calling on you constantly.

Give me happiness, O Lord,

for I give myself to you.

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,

so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;

hear my urgent cry.

Psalm 86:1-6

In deep distress, David relied on the Lord. “I give myself to you,” he cried. David didn’t base his appeals for mercy on what he had done for God. No, he appealed to God’s character instead: “O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” The Lord is truly a merciful God; and he wants to rescue those who are in trouble.

Like David, we should call on the Lord—not only when we’re distressed, but at all times. We should approach the Lord in humility, relying on his steady character. Yet we can pray with confidence, for God will answer his faithful servants.

• O merciful Master, hear my urgent cry . . .