Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
David sets before God his wretchedness and need, then answers carnal reason's despair with God's infinite goodness and power. He does not merely ask escape from enemies; he prays that the fear of God take root and hold firm in his heart.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 86:1-17
Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer. Even the glory which his spirit had beheld did not withdraw him from his prayer, but rather urged him to be more fervent in it; hence he implores the Lord to hear his requests. Attend to the voice of my supplications. Here are repetitions, but not vain repetitions.
This psalm was published under the title of a prayer of David; not as if David sung all his prayers, but into some of his songs he inserted prayers; for a psalm will admit the expressions of any pious and devout affections.
Commenting on Psalm 86:1-7