Normally we get down to business, but there are many times we have to look in the other direction.
Only five psalms have “prayer” in their title (17, 86, 90, 102, and 142), although many prayers are found throughout the Psalter. Psalm 86 is filled not only with prayer requests, but with praise as well. Notice how many times David explains his reasoning with a series of “for” statements. He begins, “Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy” (v 1). Yahweh is responsive to humility (the meaning of “poor”) and human need, and so inclines Himself to us. As well, Elohim intervenes when we set ourselves apart for Him. “Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God” (v 2). We aren’t answered for the multiplicity of our words (Mt 6:7), but for the sincerity of our hearts (7:7). “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long” (Ps 86:3). David knows that God’s mercy is undeserved but His kindness is unreserved. He wants us to take advantage of His generosity. “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy” (v 5). But God is not only Unsparing in His Provision (vv 1-7), He is also Unique in His Person (vv 8-10). “Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; nor are there any works like Your works….You alone are God” (vv 8-10). If you need supernatural aid, who else can help? No one. In addition, the Lord is Unequaled in His Plan (vv 11-13). “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth” (v 11). He even knows the road through death itself (v 13)! And He is Unrivaled in His Protection (vv 14-17). In the face of my foes, “turn to me…have mercy on me!…Give Your strength to Your servant, and save” (v 16). He’s helped before (v 17), and because He is “full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth” (v 15), He is sure to do it again.