Psalm 86:14-17 “God, the proud have risen up against me. A company of violent men have sought after my soul, and they don’t hold regard for you before them. But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth. Turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give your strength to your servant. Save the son of your servant. Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, LORD, have helped me, and comforted me.”

Hopefully you never have to say this type of prayer. But even if you don’t literally have people seeking your life, there are other problems that could arise that are life threatening. Perhaps then this would be your prayer: “God, my enemies have risen up against me. My life is in danger. I’m coming to you because you are merciful, gracious, slow to anger, kind and holy. Please have mercy on me and give me strength. Save me! And may your salvation be a sign to others that you are real, that you are good, and that you care for your servants.”

This is also a great illustration of what we pray when we ask for God’s mercy and grace for the first time. Our enemies are death, hell, and the grave, and God is the only one who can save us from them!

For additional worship: A Sovereign Protector I Have (Augustus Toplady)

A sov’reign Protector I have,
unseen, yet forever at hand,
unchangeably faithful to save,
almighty to rule and command.

He smiles, and my comforts abound;
His grace as the dew shall descend;
and walls of salvation surround
the soul He delights to defend.

Inspirer and hearer of pray’r,
Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine,
my all to Thy covenant care
I sleeping and waking resign.

If Thou art my Shield and my Sun,
the night is no darkness to me;
and fast as my moments roll on,
they bring me but nearer to Thee.

Kind Author and Ground of my hope,
Thee, Thee, for my God I avow;
my glad Ebenezer set up,
and own Thou hast helped me till now.

I muse on the years that are past,
wherein my defense Thou hast proved;
nor wilt Thou relinquish at last
a sinner so signally loved!