Introduction:

A. Psalm 86:1-17
1. “Unite My Heart to Fear Your Name” (11).
2. Window into the heart of David (1 Sam. 13:14)

B. David’s psalms draw us into praise and devotion (Mt. 6:7 cf. 6:9; Lk. 22:42).

C. “Unite my heart to fear Your name” is one of fifteen petitions in this psalm.
1. Some petitions are repeated (Mt. 26:44; 2 Cor. 12:8; Lk. 18:1-5; Mt. 7:7).
2. There is a wide variety of requests (Ph. 4:6-7).
3. Petitions are offered with the power, majesty, and wisdom of God in mind (1 Pet. 5:7; Ps. 86:1-17; Eph. 3:20-21).
4. David’s prayer reveals great openness (Ps. 86:1-17).

I. UNITE MY HEART TELLS US THAT HEARTS CAN BE DIVIDED.

A. Hearts are divided by worry (Mt. 6:33-34; Lk. 10:38-42).

B. Hearts are divided by unbelieving prayer (Jas. 1:6-8; Rm. 8:28; 1 Jn. 5:14-15).

C. Hearts are divided by materialism (Mt. 6:24; Ex. 20:3; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:8-9).

D. Hearts are divided by a desire for the world’s approval (Jas. 4:4; Jn. 15:18-20).

E. Hearts are divided by the desires of the flesh (Gal. 5:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:11).

II. HEARTS CAN BE UNITED—RESTORED TO SINGULARITY OF DEVOTION.

A. A mighty river results from the union of its many tributaries.

B. Why do we need a united heart?
1. So that we might fear His name (Eccl. 12:13-14; Prov. 1:7; 9:10).
2. So that we might fulfill the most basic commands (Mt. 22:37-39;
Dt. 10:12).

C. What is involved in uniting the heart? (Ps. 86:11).
1. Psalm 86:11
2. Two essentials to an acceptable walk with God:
a. Illumination of the mind (11; Ps. 119:18; Jn. 6:45)
b. Resolution of the will (11; 3 Jn. 4; Acts 13:22)
3. David prayed that he might know God way so that he might dedicate himself self to walking in the truth with an undivided heart (Lk. 9:62; Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:14-15).
4. Could there be a more appropriate prayer for this time and under these circumstances? (Ps. 86:11).