Praying for Perseverance in Perilous Circumstances | Psalm 86

In the midst of David's season of overwhelming distress as he endured being stalked and hunted by arrogant, violent, and godless men he prayed for spiritual illumination and an undivided heart that he might persevere in faith. That prayer flowed directly from his confidence in God's character which he spotlights in verse 15: but You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. The main point of Psalm 86 is to teach that God's character gives confidence to pray for perseverance in perilous circumstances.