David, King of Israel

Pastor Doug Isaac

His example and pattern of prayer. Have you ever wondered why prayer goes unanswered? Pretty well everyone has had this dilemma and it can bring frustration. In the book of James, chapter 4, the Bible tells us that God will not give us answers to our prayer if our prayer is with the wrong purpose, and with selfish motives. Our intention would be to spend it on “sensual pleasures”. Yet, Jesus in John, chapter 15, tells us to ask in His name, and we will receive answers to prayer. But He also adds that “if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask anything in my name, it will be done for you.” So, prayer is largely conditional, dependant upon pure motives and unselfish desires. Let’s look at King David’s model of prayer found in Psalms, chapter 17: Psalms 17:1 - “give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.” David looked inwardly at his attitude and motives as he prayed. His prayer was heartfelt and honest. Psalms 17:2 - “let my vindication come from your presence.” David was wronged many times, but in prayer he let God vindicate him. Psalms 17:3-4 - David lists five things that he did while praying: 1. “You have tested my heart.” David allowed God to reach into his very soul and examine him inside. The Hebrew word for “tested” also takes in the meaning of ... to investigate and to examine. I challenge you and myself to do this as we pray. 2. “You have visited me in the night.” Sometimes it is only when we are quiet and still that God can come to us and visit us." 3. “You have examined me and found nothing.” David’s conduct was favourable. 4. “I have purposed that my tongue will not transgress.” David had control of his tongue. The Bible says he “purposed”. It takes an effort to speak rightly, not to gossip and slander, not to spread rumours and criticize. Christians, myself included, can be guilty of this and it needs to stop. “Let’s ”purpose" not to sin with our lips. 5. “Uphold my steps in your paths, so that my footsteps may not slip.” In prayer, we realize our strength is in Him, and He will hold us up, answer our prayers as we line up with His requirements and principles. So let’s take a fresh look at our motives and attitudes as we pray, so we can say with David in Verse 6, “I have called upon you, for you will hear me, Oh God!”