Psalm 86 (85):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, we must acknowledge that our words should align with His, and in speaking of our Lord Jesus Christ—especially in prophecy that may convey a sense of humility that seems beneath His divine majesty—we should freely attribute this to Him who chose to become one with us.

We pray to Him in the form of God, yet He took on the form of a servant, unifying the Creator with the created. This act changes us into one Man, joining Head and Body, so we pray through Him and in Him. We engage in dialogue with Him as He speaks through us in the prayers of David. Our Lord is, according to the flesh, a descendant of David while retaining His divine authority as the Lord who created David. Thus, let no one doubt that Christ speaks; rather, let each believer affirm, "Christ speaks, and I too speak." Seek not to voice anything without Him, nor ought He to utter anything without you.

"O Lord, incline Your ear and hear me," expresses our plea. He speaks in the form of a servant; let us as servants echo His voice. He attentively bends down toward the humble, while the proud are distanced from Him, except for those whom He has lifted from their lowly state. It is He who inclines His ear toward those in need: the broken and contrite heart is His focus. While the rich may seem to have all, they are poor in God's eyes unless they recognize their need for His mercy.

Let us not misconstrue my words as denouncing the value of the wealthy’s prayers, for those born into richness are not excluded from God's attention. Yet, they must heed the Apostle's warning to the rich not to be arrogant. Our Lord shows special compassion to the brokenhearted and the needy, their trust in Him reflects the reality of their condition. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates that it was not wealth that condemned the rich man, but pride. Abraham, though rich, displayed humility and obedience, demonstrating that true wealth is found in faithfulness to God.

When we say, "Keep my soul, for I am holy," we are reflecting on His voice in the form of a servant. This statement captures the essence of holiness—He who is without sin. Thus, while claiming holiness for ourselves would be prideful and untrue, as His body we can assert our sanctification through Him who purifies us. For He alone has the power to sanctify, and not through any merit of our own.

Let us express to God, "I am holy, for You have sanctified me." It is through His grace we receive holiness—not through our own efforts but by what He freely gives. Therefore, acknowledging our membership in Christ's body is imperative; for if we deny our holiness, we place harm upon our Head, who is truly holy.

In our supplications, we cry out continually to God, acknowledging that we share in the collective cries of the Body of Christ through our tribulations and struggles. Each day we endure trouble, yet we remain united in our prayers to God, while His head intercedes for us.

Rejoice, for I have lifted my soul to You, O Lord. Let my heart find joy in You, the source of true delight. While our hearts may experience bitterness in our earthly journey, lifting them to heaven ensures we do not perish. Our affections are the means by which we ascend; we must direct our hearts toward God.

As we lift our prayers to God, we confront our vulnerabilities, recalling that even in our weakness, He bears with us. Hence, we appeal for His mercy and grace, trusting in His abundant goodness.

Consider, dear friends, how God extends His generosity even to sinners—abundance of life and provisions—speaking to His goodness to all of creation. How much greater must His blessings be for His faithful servants. If God grants such bounty to those who reject Him, what does He set aside for those who seek Him sincerely? He reserves for them not mere earthly treasures, but heavenly gifts.

Therefore, we must remain steadfast, enduring trials, knowing that He desires to transform us. As we submit to His process, we may suffer discomfort, yet His healing is sure.

"Put my prayer in Thy ears, O Lord," we plead with earnest hearts; reminding ourselves to lend our focus to His words in prayer rather than letting our thoughts wander. It is vital to remain attentive, for He is our refuge in times of distress.

"In the day of my affliction, I cried unto You," encapsulates our shared experience. All believers at some point feel troubled, yet we appeal to God in our moments of despair. Real joy shall come in the presence of the Lord, and we shall sing praises without cease.

Thus, although we face trials, we look forward to eternal joy and the ultimate promise of being free from pain. In this world, we might suffer, but this shall pass, giving way to praise and the celebration of our salvation before God and the angels.

"Lead me, O Lord, in Thy way," as our hearts desire guidance in the truth that is found in Christ alone. We rely on Him, seeking His leadership throughout the journey of faith.

Let joy and fear exist together in our walk with the Lord. The paradox of rejoicing with reverence calls for a deeper understanding; true joy is not possible without acknowledging His majesty. While we experience trials and challenges, let us anchor our hearts in fear and love of God, spurring us towards holiness.

Let our hearts rejoice, knowing we fear His name amidst life's challenges, finding strength in Christ. Amen.

It reflects the lament of Adam, who fell short of God's grace due to his transgression; and it captures the voice of Christ to God the Father, who willingly faced poverty for Adam's sake to bestow richness upon him through His own sacrifices, alongside the cries of every faithful believer. God delights not in the demise of the wicked but longs for their transformation and return to repentance. Prayer stands as a powerful tool, a sanctuary, and a pathway to salvation. This echoes the sorrow on the day of Christ's Passion when He exclaimed: My soul is sorrowful unto death, and the sorrow experienced by anyone who seeks his salvation.