What does the Bible say about prayer in Psalm 86?

In Psalm 86, David exemplifies the importance of prayer as a central spiritual discipline for one who is 'a man after God's own heart.' The psalm opens with David calling upon the Lord with humility, expressing his neediness and his trust. Key phrases, such as 'Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me,' illustrate the necessity of approaching God respectfully and dependently. This prayer model shows us that prayer should be infused with honesty about our condition, recognizing our poverty and need for divine assistance. As David seeks mercy and preservation, he does so confidently, knowing God's steadfast character as compassionate and gracious (Psalm 86:5).