Psalm 86: God of compassion and forgiveness
Bend your ear to hear my prayer, Lord,
Answer me for I am poor and needy.
Protect your obedient servant,
Have mercy on your devoted follower.
I worship you in happiness and joy
For you, Lord, are so good and forgiving,
You abound in your love for all who call on you.
Listen to my urgent prayer whenever I am in peril.
I know that you are mighty, you alone are God,
All nations and all peoples will bow down before you,
They shall glorify your name, O Lord.
Teach me your ways that I may walk in your truth,
Make my heart strong to be always faithful to you.
I give thanks to you, O Lord and praise your name,
So great is your love, you have rescued me from the depths.
O God, violent and godless people rise against me
And they will not show mercy to me.
But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and forgiveness,
Slow to anger and full of loving kindness.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
Show a sign that I am in your favour,
So that those who pursue me may see this and be put to shame,
Because you help me and comfort me.
From ‘Resounding the Psalms’ by David Potter
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