Day 9: Prayers of David
David cried out to the Lord in every area of his life and in the midst of every emotion he found comfort in his Father in heaven. Below are some of his most powerful prayers to God. The Psalms are full of these prayers. If you are stuck for words or need divine direction, visit the Psalms and pray some of David’s prayers as your own. After all, he was known as a man after God’s heart.
Here are some examples:
A prayer for help: “Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.” (Psalm 60:5)
A prayer for repentance: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2)
A prayer for renewed hope: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 43:5)
A prayer for safety: “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me - God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. (Psalm 57:1-2)
A prayer for mercy: “Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you because you answer me.” (Psalm 86:2-7)
The need for direction from God was just as strong for the people of God in the Bible as it is for us, His followers today. David trusted the Lord continually for direction, which is why he went to listen for the Lord’s strategies to fight his enemies. “And David inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the LORD said to David, ‘Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.’” (2 Samuel 5:19, ESV)
Eventually, the Philistines returned and David inquired again. This time the Lord gave David a different strategy. “And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, ‘You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.’” (2 Samuel 5:23, ESV)
God wants to speak and direct your life; let’s be inquiring of the Lord for our strategies, which might differ from what we have previously known and have trusted. This kind of direction is the outcome of living a listening life.
Lord, thank you for your living word that is so rich with emotion. Thank you that you made us to feel and express and know you in all the details of life. Thank you for your word that says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Amen.
Reflect and Respond
Prayer Focus
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
