Be Merciful to Me, O Lord

(Psalm 86:3)

Mike Johnson

Psalm 86 is a prayer by the author, David.  He is experiencing hardships, although he is not very specific about their nature.  However, verse 14 points out that a group of proud and violent people, who had no regard for God, sought his life.  Yet, amid his trouble, the Psalmist approaches God in prayer with complete confidence that the Lord will be merciful and deliver him.

In verses 1-7, the Psalmist makes several requests asking God to save him and then cites reasons why God should answer these pleas.  In verse 1, for example, he asks God to hear him because he is poor and needy.  Next, in verse 2, David asks God to save his life because he is holy, God is his God, and he trusts Him.  In the following verse, he makes another request and then gives a reason for God to respond.  Verse 3 says, “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long.”

He now asks for mercy, which God would show by preserving his life.  Earlier, the writer said he was holy, which might seem contradictory to some.  However, holy people, those devoted to God, still need the Lord’s mercy.

The Psalmist was in dire need of God’s pity and compassion.  The Hebrew word translated as “mercy” (NKJV) is sometimes rendered as “gracious” or “have pity.”  In Psalms, God’s mercy is frequently asked for (26:11; 27:7; 41:10).  Consider specifically David’s poignant cry in Psalm 51:1 “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.”

The reason cited for God hearing this request is “For I cry to you all day long” (3b).  This statement tells us he prayed consistently, regularly, and daily — no doubt at least several times a day.  Further, he did not stop and pursue other courses of action.

The Scriptures tell us elsewhere that we also should pray regularly.  1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to “pray without ceasing.”  Romans 12:12 teaches Christians are to be “continuing steadfastly in prayer.” Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Finally, (Lk. 18:1-8) Jesus presented the “Parable of the Persistent Widow” to teach us “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” (Note also Mt. 7:7; 1 Tim.  2:8; Jas.  5:16.)

Thus, David asks for mercy; he needs God’s help, and he speaks of his persistence in prayer as a reason for God to help him.  In conclusion, do you ask for God’s mercy and pray often like David?