Psalms 86 · Grade 5
Make My Heart Undivided
Read and Think
The title of Psalm 86 reads, A Prayer by David. It stands alone among the Asaph and Korah psalms of Book III. Much of it echoes other scripture, especially God's self-description to Moses in Exodus 34. David's prayer is built on contrast. He says, I am poor and needy, and then, For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness (86:5).
The psalm has a wide vision. There is no one like you among the gods, Lord. All nations you have made will come and worship before you. You are God alone. David's personal trouble does not shrink his view of God; instead his view of God puts his trouble in perspective.
Verse 11 is a prayer about the inner life: Teach me your way, Yahweh. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name. A divided heart wants God and something else at the same time. Then, facing proud and violent men, David repeats God's own words: merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth. He asks for a sign of God's goodness so that his enemies may see that Yahweh has helped and comforted him.
Show What You Know
Which passage does Psalm 86 echo?
How does David's view of God affect his trouble?
What is a divided heart?
Why does David ask for a sign of God's goodness?
Crossword
Across
- Make my ____ undivided to fear your name.
- Teach me your ____.
Down
- And ready to ____.
- For I am ____ and needy.
- ____ me your way.
Think About It
How could learning God's way help make your heart undivided?
Which of God's qualities in verse 15 means the most to you, and why?
Memory Verse
“Teach me your way, Yahweh. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.”
Psalms 86:11 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for teaching me your way. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can God's character help us in trouble?
- David promised to glorify God's name forever for rescue from the depths. How can remembering your rescue fuel lifelong praise?
- What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.