Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abound- ing in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Psalms 86:4-5
These two verses remind me of a verse in Proverbs:
An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. Proverbs 29:6
The first and second line interpret each other. Singing comes from being free—not being ensnared by sin. The song of the soul set free!
Psalms 86:4-5 hints at a similar theme. Note the request and the appeal to God’s forgiving nature. How does forgiveness granted by God give us gladness? What do we learn, then, about the connection between prayerlessness and a heavy spirit?