“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive;
and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
(Psalm 86:5)
God’s promise to hear the prayers of His people brings comfort in the midst of life’s storms. Psalm 86:5 reveals a God who is good, ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all who call on Him. John Flavel notes, “God’s ear is ever open to the cries of His children, His heart ever ready to show mercy.” This truth is echoed in 2 Chronicles 7:15, where God assures Solomon, “Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place.” Whether whispered in solitude or lifted in corporate worship, my prayers reach a God who listens with compassion and is ready to respond with grace.
Scripture abounds with assurances of God’s attentiveness. Romans 10:12 declares, “The Lord is rich unto all that call upon him.” Philippians 4:6-7 urges me to present my requests with thanksgiving, promising a peace that transcends understanding, guarding my heart and mind. Proverbs 15:8 affirms that the prayers of the righteous are God’s delight, while Psalm 34:15-17 assures, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” Even before I call, Isaiah 65:24 promises, “I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” These verses weave a tapestry of divine responsiveness, assuring me that no prayer is too small and no cry goes unheard.
Moreover, Psalm 5:3 speaks of God hearing my voice in the morning, and Psalm 10:17 declares He prepares the heart of the humble, hearing their desires. This intimacy transforms prayer from a ritual into a living dialogue with a Father who knows my needs before I speak. In distress, Psalm 50:15 calls me to “call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee,” promising not only hearing but deliverance.
And I know that my prayers are precious to God, as Psalm 102:17 assures: “He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.” This truth calls me to approach Him with confidence, knowing He delights in my cries and responds with love.
It also calls me to pray without ceasing, to trust His mercy in every need, and to worship Him for His attentiveness. For I know that in both joy and sorrow, my prayers reach His throne and are met with a mercy that never fails. I am called to live in this assurance, lifting my voice to the One who listens, trusting His goodness to sustain me through every trial.
Contemplations:
- A whisper heard. Psalm 5:3 assures me that God hears my morning prayers, and it is comforting to my heart to know that He hear my cries. I must lift my voice daily with confidence, trusting His ear is open to even my softest whisper.
- The comfort of being known. Psalm 102:17 reveals that God hears the prayer of the destitute, reminding me that in my darkest moments, He sees me. I must rest in His knowledge of me and trust His intimate love, knowing my prayers are precious to Him.
- Assurance in distress. Psalm 50:15 promises deliverance when I call in trouble. If I allow it, this truth will transform my anxiety into hope. I must seek His intervention in times of difficulty, trusting His mercy to deliver me that I might glorify Him.
- The ring of prayer. Like a nobleman’s ring symbolizing aid, prayer connects me to God’s help. Do I approach Him boldly, or do I find myself hesitating? I must pray with assurance, seeing my prayers as a channel to my eternal Deliverer, who never fails.
Prayer (Supplication):
O Lord, You are the God of mercy, whose ear is ever open to the cries of Your people. Your Word in Psalm 86:5 declares that You are good, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy to all who call on You. I come before You, seeking Your grace to pray with boldness, and trusting Your attentive heart. Grant me faith to lift my voice, knowing You hear every whisper and respond with love.
I plead for Your Spirit to guide my prayers. Let my words be sincere and my heart humble, aligned with Your will. When fear or doubt silences me, stir me to call on You. In distress, as Psalm 50:15 promises, let me seek Your deliverance, trusting You to answer before I speak (Isa. 65:24). Shape my prayers to reflect Your mercy, that they may rise as a pleasing offering through Christ’s intercession.
I ask for strength to pray without ceasing, in joy and in sorrow. Guard my heart from despair and remind me that You delight in the prayers of the righteous (Prov. 15:8). Let my supplications be a constant dialogue, drawing me closer to You. Teach me to present my requests with thanksgiving, as Philippians 4:6 urges, finding peace that guards my soul.
Lord, I seek Your blessing for Your church, that we may be a people of prayer, united in faith. Stir us to call on You with confidence and support one another in supplication. Raise up ministers who lead us to Your throne, proclaiming Your readiness to hear. And let our prayers glorify You.
O God, let me never doubt Your attentiveness or Your love. Keep my heart open, my faith steadfast, and my voice lifted to You. Sustain me by Your Spirit, that I may live in the assurance of being heard by my merciful Father.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Psalm 86:5:
Exod. 34:6, Ps. 103:8, Ps. 130:4, Joel 2:13.
