Psalm 86 KJV Prayer of Grace (2023)

A macro detail of the book of Psalms

Psalm 86 KJV (King James Version)

What is the meaning of Psalm 86?

In this Psalm, King David is praying for grace while he is reflecting on the goodness of the Lord. He is in the midst of tough circumstances, yet his faith and trust in the Lord are not shaken.

He knows that God hears his prayer, that God is more than capable of rescuing him, and that God delights in showing lovingkindness and compassion to His children.

What does Psalms 86:11 mean?

The first part of this verse says, “Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth.” The Hebrew word for “truth,” ’emet, means truth that follows a standard – either to designed reality or to God’s excellence.

Psalm 51:6 says that God desires “truth in the inward parts.” Truth is invaluable, and God wants truth to be the foundation for a way of life that is pleasing to Him.

King David is asking God to teach him His ways because David knows that God’s ways are higher than his. David also expresses the desire to follow God.

The last part of this verse says, “unite my heart to fear Thy name.” To understand what this means, it is helpful to look at another version of this scripture. The New Living Translation says, “grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor You.”

David knew he was sinful from birth and that it was necessary to keep realigning his heart with God’s will in order to be fully devoted in his pursuit of God.


Black and white photo of man praying

What is God according to Psalm 86:15?

This verse says that God is full of compassion, He is merciful in the most kindhearted and loving way. He is slow to anger, He is faithful and full of goodness and truth. He is rich in grace and freely gives it.

He is patient because His desire is for everyone to see the errors of their ways in order to receive salvation. He never gives up on us.

Now here is the prayer of David, Psalm 86 KJV.

  1. Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

  2. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O Thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in Thee.

  3. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto Thee daily.

  4. Rejoice the soul of Thy servant: for unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.


    Girl praying in field during beautiful sunset


  5. For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.

  6. Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

  7. In the day of my trouble I will call upon Thee: for Thou wilt answer me.

  8. Among the gods there is none like unto Thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto Thy works.

  9. All nations whom Thou hast made shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord; and shall glorify Thy name.

  10. For Thou art great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone.

  11. Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy name.

  12. I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify Thy name for evermore.


    Man on beach with outstretched arms during sunset


  13. For great is Thy mercy toward me: and Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

  14. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set Thee before them.

  15. But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

  16. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give Thy strength unto Thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

  17. Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because Thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

To read Psalm 86 NIV (New International Version), click here: BibleGateway.com

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Thank you, and it is my prayer that you have a very blessed day! ❤

Here is dramatized audio of Psalm 86 KJV that you may enjoy.

Psalm 86 KJV

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