Psalm 86

Read Psalm 86 ESV

Who - David writes a prayer to the LORD.  

What - David is asking the LORD to save him from a group of men pursuing him with the intent to kill David.  David also asks the LORD for more than escape and deliverance.  David asks for the LORD to perform a very public sign so that those pursuing him may “be put to shame.”  David is asking for vindication.  

When - Unstated, but could fit several instances in David’s life.  

Where - Unstated

Why - David is writing a prayer of deliverance because he is being pursued by men who want to take his life.  David believes that unless the LORD intervenes, these men will overtake him.  

How - David opens with a request for the LORD to answer David’s pleas.  He acknowledges his need for the LORD’S help and asks the LORD to save his life.  He recalls the LORD’S steadfast love as a basis for hoping in the LORD’S actions to save him.  Next David acknowledges the LORD as the only real God, the one which all nations will one day come and worship.  Then David asks the LORD to teach him the LORD’S ways.  David also proclaims how the LORD has delivered him from sheol (presumably in the past).  Now David comes to his request:  he states his problem, and asks the LORD, from his steadfast love, to strengthen and save him.  David ends with a request for a public vindication, and an affirmation of the LORD’S help and comfort.  

So What 

1. What a great model prayer when we are in trouble and need the LORD’S deliverance.  
2. When in trouble we should remember the LORD’S goodness and power.  
3. It is right to asks for the LORD’S help.  
4. It is right to ask for a public vindication when we are innocent.  We cannot demand it, but we can ask for it.  
5. Our basis and hope for all of the above is the LORD’S steadfast love.