Psalm 86: Why Pray?

Psalm 86 is a collection of thoughts on prayer.

David expects God to answer his prayers and places explicit trust in his heavenly Father’s care. God is merciful and ever ready to forgive all who call upon Him for help in times of trouble (v. 5). David experienced joy in seeing God work out his seemingly insurmountable problems (v. 4). Thus, through past acts of deliverance, he gained confidence that the Lord would hear future cries for help (vv. 6, 7). God is unlike false gods, for He alone can deliver the petitioner from distress (v. 8). Eventually, all nations will realize Jehovah is the true God and will give up false gods to worship Him alone (vv. 9, 10). David longed to learn the way of the Lord.

It “cannot be known intuitively; man must be taught as he sits at the feet of God and learns the lessons life has to offer.” “Only when we are taught by God can we walk in His truth.” “For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth” (Psalm 26:3). David wanted his whole heart to align with the will of God (Psalm 86:11).

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). This aim was paramount in his life.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). God stands ready to place a longing to connect with Him in our hearts, but we must ask in order to receive. “And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear [love] me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them” (Jeremiah 32:39).

Because God is merciful, David praises His intervention during difficult times. Wicked men sought to do David evil—men who did not respect God or allow Him access to their lives (Psalm 86:14). God’s attributes of compassion, civility, patience, mercy, and truth give confidence to those who call upon Him for help in their times of trouble (v. 15).

David ends this psalm by praying that even his enemies will eventually acknowledge God’s intervention on his behalf (v. 17).

“I love to steal awhile away / From every cumbering care, / And spend the hours of setting day / In humble, grateful prayer.”