1. The title of this Psalm indicates that it is "A Prayer of David." 2. Perhaps this title is based on David's request in vs.6a for the Lord to "give ear" to his prayer. 3. This Psalm reveals important information about prayer. 4. David continued in vs.6b by asking the Lord to "attend to the voice of his supplications." 5. In our lesson we are especially interested in studying David's supplications. 6. Before we examine the supplications that David made, we first need to point out that . . . Discussion: I. PRAYER INCLUDES "SUPPLICATIONS"
A. A "supplication" is a request for a need to be supplied. 1. It may be a personal need. 2. It may be a need for someone else. B. The Lord's people are to include supplications in our prayers (1 Timothy 2:1). C. As we examine David's Psalms, we see that he often included supplications in his prayers (Psalm 143:1). D. Let us turn our attention to . . . II. HELPFUL INFORMATION THAT DAVID PRESENTED IN PSALM 86
A. David directed his supplications to God. 1. Consider his requests in vs.1a, vs.4b, and vs.6a. 2. David explained why he made his supplications to God in vs.8, 10. 3. David showed how God granted his supplications in the past (vs.13b, 17b). 4. David was confident that God would grant his requests (vs.7). 5. Let us follow David's example of directing our supplications to God (Philippians 4:6). B. David was experiencing difficulty in his life (vs.1b, 14). C. David revealed information about God that shows how He cares for His people (vs.5, 13a, 15). III. LET US CONSIDER DAVID'S SUPPLICATIONS
A. (vs.2a) David asked for his soul to be preserved (2 Timothy 4:18). B. (vs.2b) David asked for salvation. C. David asked for mercy (vs.3a, 16a). D. David asked for joy (vs.4a). E. David asked for instruction (vs.11a). F. David asked for strength (vs.16b). G. In making these supplications, . . . IV. DAVID WANTED TO MAINTAIN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
A. vs.3b B. vs.11b C. vs.12 Conclusion:
1. In Psalm 86 David revealed some very helpful information about prayer, including several supplications. 2. Let us profit from this information and follow the instructions given many years later in 1 Peter 5:6-7.
