Teach Me Your Way, O Lord: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 86

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 86, a heartfelt plea from David, resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition as a testament to God’s mercy, faithfulness, and accessibility to those who call upon Him in truth. This psalm reveals the importance of humility, recognizing our utter dependence on God’s grace. It implores God to “Teach Me Your Way, O Lord,” a cry for divine guidance and instruction in righteousness. The psalm beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of prayer, trust, and obedience, emphasizing God’s unwavering love for those who diligently seek Him. It highlights the believer’s reliance on God’s attributes – His goodness, compassion, and power to save – in times of distress. Ultimately, Psalm 86 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s covenantal love and an invitation to deepen our personal relationship with Him, a cornerstone of Coptic Orthodox spirituality.

Psalm 86 is a powerful and personal prayer. David, facing adversity, seeks refuge and guidance from the Lord. This psalm, a *Mikteem* (a psalm of inscription), is a testament to the relationship between the believer and God, highlighting the importance of humility, trust, and a desire for divine instruction. We, too, can find solace and direction in these verses as we navigate the complexities of modern life, embracing the call to “Teach Me Your Way, O Lord”.

Commentary on Psalm 86

Psalm 86:1 (KJV) Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. (NKJV) Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; For I am poor and needy.

The Psalmist begins with a direct and urgent appeal to God. “Bow down thine ear, O LORD,” is an anthropomorphic expression, conveying the intimacy and immediacy of the relationship between the petitioner and the Divine. It signifies a plea for God’s focused attention. “For I am poor and needy” is not simply a statement of economic or material lack, but a profound acknowledgment of spiritual destitution. This poverty of spirit is a prerequisite for receiving God’s grace. As St. Isaac the Syrian says, “The measure of your humility will become the measure of the graces given to you.” (ܡܶܬܳܗܽ̇ ܚܽܘܒܳܟ ܰܕܡܶܬܥܰܩܶܦ ܒܗܽܘܢܳܟ ܬܶܗܘܶܐ ܡܶܬܳܐ ܣܰܓܺܝܐܽܘܬܳܐ ܕܛܰܝܒܽܘܬܳܐ ܕܰܡܬܶܐܒܳܐ ܠܳܟ) (Isaac the Syrian, Homily 55).

Spiritual Application: Recognizing our spiritual poverty allows us to approach God with humility and receptivity, opening our hearts to His transformative grace. Let us remember that true riches are found not in material possessions, but in a deep relationship with the Lord.

Psalm 86:2 (KJV) Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. (NKJV) Preserve my soul, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You!

The phrase “for I am holy” (or “godly” in some translations) can be perplexing. David isn’t claiming absolute perfection. The word translated as “holy” or “godly” (*châsîyd* in Hebrew) refers to one who is faithful, pious, and devoted to God. David is asserting his commitment to God’s covenant and his unwavering loyalty. He isn’t claiming sinlessness, but rather a heart devoted to God. This devotion fosters a trust that leads him to implore, “Save your servant who trusts in you!” Preservation of the soul in Coptic thought is intricately linked to participation in the divine life, achieved through the sacraments, prayer, and virtuous living. Think of the protection Noah experienced in the ark; through his righteousness, he and his family were spared.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate unwavering trust in God, knowing that He is faithful to those who seek Him with a sincere heart. Our devotion to Him is not a claim of perfection, but a testament to our desire to live according to His will.

Psalm 86:3 (KJV) Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. (NKJV) Be merciful to me, O Lord, For I cry to You daily.

David consistently appeals to God’s mercy. “Be merciful unto me, O Lord” underscores the central theme of grace. It acknowledges our inherent unworthiness and our complete reliance on God’s compassionate nature. “For I cry unto thee daily” emphasizes the importance of consistent and persistent prayer. This isn’t a sporadic appeal, but a daily, heartfelt communion with God. In the Coptic tradition, daily prayer is not just a ritual, but a lifeline connecting us to the Divine, drawing strength and guidance from His presence. The Agpeya, or Book of Hours, provides structured prayers throughout the day, reminding us to continually seek God’s mercy and guidance.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a habit of daily prayer, recognizing our constant need for God’s mercy and guidance. Make prayer a conversation, expressing your needs, gratitude, and love to the Lord.

Psalm 86:4 (KJV) Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. (NKJV) Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

David desires not just physical deliverance, but spiritual joy. “Rejoice the soul of thy servant” speaks to the profound longing for inner peace and contentment found in God. “For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul” is an act of complete surrender and dependence. Lifting up the soul signifies a turning away from earthly distractions and focusing solely on God. This phrase also echoes the Eucharist offering in the Divine Liturgy where we “lift up our hearts” (Anaphora prayer), symbolizing a complete offering to God. The lifting up of the soul is akin to offering incense, a sweet-smelling aroma pleasing to God (Revelation 5:8).

Spiritual Application: Surrender your worries, anxieties, and desires to God, trusting that He will fill you with His peace and joy. Practice mindfulness, turning your thoughts and affections towards Him throughout the day.

Psalm 86:5 (KJV) For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (NKJV) For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

This verse is the cornerstone of the Psalm. “For thou, Lord, art good” is a declaration of God’s inherent and unchanging nature. His goodness is the foundation of all His attributes. “And ready to forgive” highlights God’s willingness to pardon those who repent and seek His forgiveness. “And plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” emphasizes the boundless and unconditional nature of God’s mercy, accessible to all who sincerely call upon Him. St. Athanasius states, “For He was made man that we might be made God” (Αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν) (Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 54.3). This emphasizes God’s boundless love, going so far as to become human to restore us to Himself.

Spiritual Application: Remember God’s goodness, His readiness to forgive, and His abundant mercy. Approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is always willing to welcome you back with open arms, regardless of your past.

Psalm 86:6 (KJV) Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. (NKJV) Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications.

The Psalmist reiterates his plea, emphasizing the importance of both listening (“Give ear”) and paying attention (“attend”). This suggests a deeper level of engagement, not just hearing the words, but truly understanding the heart behind the prayer. “Supplications” suggests earnest and humble requests, acknowledging our dependence on God. This verse underscores the importance of attentive prayer, focusing not just on the words we say, but on the sincerity and humility of our hearts. The Coptic Orthodox Church places great emphasis on the Liturgy, wherein the priest leads the congregation in supplications for various needs, fostering a community of prayer and shared dependence on God’s grace.

Spiritual Application: Approach prayer with attentiveness and sincerity. Focus on the meaning of your words and allow your heart to connect with God in a meaningful way.

Psalm 86:7 (KJV) In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. (NKJV) In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me.

This verse expresses unwavering faith in God’s responsiveness. “In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee” is a declaration of dependence and trust. “For thou wilt answer me” is not a guarantee of immediate or specific solutions, but an assurance of God’s presence and support. The Psalmist believes God will answer, even if the answer isn’t exactly what he expects. It’s a belief in God’s ultimate wisdom and plan. The Coptic Orthodox faith encourages us to trust in God’s divine providence even when faced with trials, understanding that He works all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Consider the story of Job; despite unimaginable suffering, he maintained his faith in God.

Spiritual Application: Develop unwavering faith in God’s responsiveness, even in the midst of trials. Trust that He hears your prayers and will provide the support and guidance you need, even if the answer is not what you expect.

Psalm 86:8 (KJV) Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. (NKJV) Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.

This verse is a declaration of God’s uniqueness and supremacy. “Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord” is a clear affirmation of monotheism, rejecting the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in David’s time. “Neither are there any works like unto thy works” underscores the unparalleled power and majesty of God’s creation and His saving acts. This isn’t simply a statement against pagan deities; it’s a reminder that no human endeavor can compare to the glory of God’s creations and interventions. God’s works are miraculous, transcending the limitations of human ability. The creation narrative in Genesis is a testament to God’s unmatched power and creativity.

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge God’s uniqueness and supremacy in your life. Reject any idols or false gods that may compete for your attention and devotion. Reflect on the majesty and power of His creation, marveling at His works.

Psalm 86:9 (KJV) All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. (NKJV) All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name.

This verse speaks to the universal scope of God’s plan of salvation. “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord” is a prophetic vision of the future when all people will recognize and worship the one true God. “And shall glorify thy name” emphasizes the ultimate purpose of humanity: to give glory to God. This verse foreshadows the Great Commission, where Christ commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). It highlights the eschatological hope of a unified humanity worshipping God in truth. In the Coptic Orthodox Church, missionary work is seen as a vital part of fulfilling this prophecy, bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Spiritual Application: Embrace a global perspective, recognizing that God’s love and salvation are for all people. Pray for the spread of the Gospel and the unity of the Church, working towards the fulfillment of God’s ultimate purpose.

Psalm 86:10 (KJV) For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. (NKJV) For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.

This verse reinforces God’s greatness and His power to perform miracles. “For thou art great, and doest wondrous things” highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God’s actions. “Thou art God alone” reaffirms the central truth of monotheism, emphasizing that there is no other God besides Him. This echoes the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” It also speaks to God’s omnipotence, His ability to do anything according to His will. The miracles of Christ, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, are testaments to His divine power and reaffirmation of God’s singular nature.

Spiritual Application: Meditate on God’s greatness and power, acknowledging that He is capable of doing wondrous things in your life. Place your trust in His omnipotence, knowing that He can overcome any obstacle.

Psalm 86:11 (KJV) Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. (NKJV) Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.

This is the heart of the psalm. “Teach me thy way, O LORD” is a humble request for divine guidance. It’s not just about knowing *about* God, but *knowing* God’s will and how to live accordingly. “I will walk in thy truth” expresses a commitment to obedience and faithfulness. It’s a promise to live according to God’s revealed will. “Unite my heart to fear thy name” speaks to the importance of a single-minded devotion to God. The fear of the Lord is not a servile dread, but a reverential awe and respect for His holiness. This verse encapsulates the path to spiritual growth: learning God’s way, living according to His truth, and cultivating a unified, devoted heart. St. Antony the Great emphasizes the need for vigilance and constant striving to align our will with God’s will. (Ἀεὶ προσέχετε τὸν νοῦν τῷ Θεῷ, ἵνα μὴ ληφθῇτε ἀπὸ τῶν ἐχθρῶν) (Antony the Great, *Letters*, 4).

Spiritual Application: Seek God’s guidance in all aspects of your life, committing to walk in His truth. Cultivate a reverential fear of the Lord, allowing it to shape your thoughts, words, and actions. Ask God to unite your heart, removing any distractions or competing loyalties.

Psalm 86:12 (KJV) I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. (NKJV) I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.

This verse is a declaration of heartfelt and eternal praise. “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart” emphasizes the sincerity and totality of the Psalmist’s devotion. It’s not just lip service, but a wholehearted offering of praise. “And I will glorify thy name for evermore” expresses a commitment to continuous praise and adoration throughout eternity. This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and thankfulness in our relationship with God. It anticipates the eternal worship of heaven, where we will join with the angels and saints in praising God forever. The Divine Liturgy offers a glimpse of this eternal worship, where we sing hymns of praise and thanksgiving, participating in the heavenly liturgy.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude, offering heartfelt praise to God for His blessings. Make praise a daily habit, expressing your thankfulness in prayer, song, and acts of service. Anticipate the eternal worship of heaven, preparing your heart to join in the unending chorus of praise.

Psalm 86:13 (KJV) For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (NKJV) For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

David acknowledges God’s immense mercy and His saving power. “For great is thy mercy toward me” underscores the overwhelming nature of God’s compassion. “And thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell” speaks to God’s ability to rescue us from even the deepest despair and spiritual death. This is not merely a physical deliverance, but a spiritual redemption from the clutches of sin and death. It highlights the saving work of Christ, who descended into Hades to liberate the souls held captive (1 Peter 3:19). The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates this victory over death during Holy Saturday, commemorating Christ’s harrowing of hell and His glorious resurrection.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on God’s great mercy towards you, acknowledging His saving power in your life. Take comfort in the knowledge that He can deliver you from any darkness or despair, leading you into the light of His presence.

Psalm 86:14 (KJV) O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. (NKJV) O God, the proud have risen against me, And a mob of violent men have sought my life, And have not set You before them.

David describes the opposition he faces from the wicked. “O God, the proud are risen against me” highlights the arrogance and self-righteousness of his enemies. “And the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul” reveals the intensity of their malice and their desire to destroy him. “And have not set thee before them” identifies the root cause of their wickedness: a lack of reverence and fear of God. They have no moral compass, acting purely out of self-interest and pride. This resonates with the teachings of the desert fathers who emphasized the constant battle against pride and the importance of humility as a weapon against the enemy (the devil). The pursuit of worldly power and recognition often leads to moral corruption and violence. Remember that we can use doh stands when faced with violence.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of the dangers of pride and self-righteousness. Cultivate humility, remembering that all good things come from God. Stand firm against the forces of evil, knowing that God is your protector and defender.

Psalm 86:15 (KJV) But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (NKJV) But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.

In contrast to the wickedness of his enemies, David affirms God’s compassionate and gracious nature. “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious” emphasizes God’s tenderheartedness and His willingness to extend favor to the undeserving. “Longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” highlights God’s patience, His abundant mercy, and His unwavering faithfulness. This verse reiterates the core attributes of God, offering comfort and assurance in the face of adversity. God’s compassion is not passive; it leads Him to act on our behalf, offering forgiveness, healing, and restoration. The incarnation of Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s compassion, taking on human flesh to redeem us from sin and death.

Spiritual Application: Take comfort in God’s compassion, grace, longsuffering, mercy, and truth. Trust that He will never abandon you, even in the midst of your struggles. Strive to reflect these attributes in your own life, showing compassion, grace, patience, mercy, and truth to others.

Psalm 86:16 (KJV) O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. (NKJV) Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me; Give Your strength to Your servant, And save the son of Your handmaid.

David renews his plea for God’s attention, mercy, and strength. “O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me” expresses a longing for God’s presence and His compassionate intervention. “Give thy strength unto thy servant” acknowledges his own weakness and his need for divine empowerment. “And save the son of thine handmaid” is a humble reference to himself, emphasizing his dependence on God’s grace. By referring to himself as the “son of your handmaid,” he is highlighting his position as a servant of God from birth. This reinforces his plea for God’s continued protection and favor. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of asking for God’s strength in our daily struggles, recognizing that we cannot overcome temptation or adversity on our own. We pray for strength to resist evil and to live according to God’s will.

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge your need for God’s mercy and strength. Pray for His presence and His intervention in your life. Rely on His power to overcome your weaknesses and to persevere in your faith.

Psalm 86:17 (KJV) Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me. (NKJV) Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

David asks for a visible sign of God’s favor and deliverance. “Shew me a token for good” is not necessarily a demand for a miraculous sign, but a request for evidence of God’s blessing and protection. “That they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed” reveals his desire for vindication and the humbling of his enemies. “Because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me” expresses his confidence in God’s past faithfulness and his assurance of future support. The token is a sign of victory over his enemies, a visible manifestation of God’s presence and power. It is a testament to God’s faithfulness, silencing the voices of doubt and inspiring hope in the faithful. Throughout the Old Testament, God provided signs and wonders to His people as evidence of His covenant and His protection (e.g., the parting of the Red Sea).

Spiritual Application: Pray for God to manifest His presence and His power in your life. Seek evidence of His favor and His blessing. Trust that He will vindicate you and bring shame to those who oppose you. Look for opportunities to share your testimony of God’s faithfulness, inspiring others to trust in Him.

Subtopic: Understanding “Fear of the Lord”

The concept of “fear of the Lord” is often misunderstood. It’s not about cowering in terror, but about reverential awe and respect. Here are some key aspects:

• Reverence and Awe: ✨ The fear of the Lord is a deep recognition of God’s holiness and majesty. It involves approaching Him with humility and respect, acknowledging His infinite power and wisdom.
• Obedience and Trust: 💡 It leads to obedience to God’s commandments and a reliance on His guidance. When we truly fear the Lord, we seek to live in accordance with His will, trusting that He knows what is best for us.
• Wisdom and Discernment: 📖 Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It opens our minds to understand spiritual truths and to discern between good and evil.
• Moral Integrity: 📜 The fear of the Lord helps us to resist temptation and to live a life of moral integrity. It motivates us to avoid sin and to pursue righteousness, knowing that God sees all our actions.
• Humility and Repentance: 🕊️ It fosters humility, recognizing our dependence on God’s grace. When we stumble, the fear of the Lord leads us to repentance and a desire to return to Him.
• Love and Devotion: Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is intertwined with love and devotion. It is born out of a deep appreciation for God’s goodness and a desire to please Him in all that we do.

FAQ ❓

Let’s address some common questions about Psalm 86:

• Q: What does it mean to “lift up my soul” to God (Psalm 86:4)?
  
  A: Lifting up one’s soul to God symbolizes a complete offering of oneself to the Divine. It is a deliberate act of turning away from earthly distractions and focusing one’s thoughts, emotions, and desires solely on God. This act of surrender is fundamental to prayer and spiritual growth.
• Q: How can I cultivate a “unified heart” to fear God’s name (Psalm 86:11)?
  
  A: Cultivating a unified heart involves eliminating conflicting loyalties and desires that draw us away from God. This requires intentional effort to prioritize God in all aspects of our lives, seeking His guidance, and aligning our will with His. It involves prayer, self-reflection, and a commitment to living according to His commandments.
• Q: Why does the Psalmist repeatedly ask for mercy (e.g., Psalm 86:3, 16)?
  
  A: The repeated pleas for mercy reflect the Psalmist’s awareness of his own unworthiness and his complete reliance on God’s grace. It acknowledges that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness and that our salvation depends entirely on God’s compassionate love. God’s mercy is an essential element of the divine nature.
• Q: What is the significance of calling God “plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 86:5, 15)?
  
  A: Describing God as “plenteous in mercy” emphasizes the boundless and unconditional nature of His compassion. It conveys that God’s mercy is not limited or reserved for a select few but is freely available to all who call upon Him with a sincere heart. It assures us of God’s limitless love and forgiveness.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 86, with its heartfelt plea to “Teach Me Your Way, O Lord”, offers profound lessons for Coptic Orthodox believers. It underscores the vital importance of humility, recognizing our utter dependence on God’s grace. It emphasizes the necessity of daily prayer and sincere supplication, drawing near to God in times of trouble. It reminds us of God’s boundless mercy, His readiness to forgive, and His unwavering faithfulness. The psalm encourages us to surrender our hearts completely to God, seeking His guidance and committing to walk in His truth. Ultimately, it invites us to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord, praising Him with all our heart and glorifying His name forevermore. Let this psalm be a constant prayer on our lips and a guiding principle in our lives: “Teach Me Your Way, O Lord,” so that we may live in accordance with Your will and experience the fullness of Your love. Through understanding and embodying these truths, we can truly “Teach Me Your Way, O Lord”.

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Psalm 86, Teach Me Your Way, Prayer, Mercy, Faithfulness, Coptic Orthodox, Humility, Guidance, David, Divine Grace

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Explore Psalm 86: “Teach Me Your Way, O Lord” with a Coptic Orthodox commentary. Discover deeper insights on prayer, mercy, faithfulness, and divine guidance.