American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 104
ARC Prayer Meeting:
This past Sunday, we were back in the book of Psalms. We specifically covered Psalms 5:1-6, which revealed two revelations, the cry of the righteous coupled with the character of God. These passages coincide with Psalms 3 and 4 in the sense that David is struggling with adverse circumstances and he is looking to the Lord to rescue him and become his refuge. It appears that David truly believes, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear” Psalms 46:1, 2a).
Psalms 5:1-6 reveals why prayer is essential to the Christian life. Charles Spurgeon commenting on these passages declared, “The morning prayer is like drawing the day's first breath from heaven. Before facing the battles of earth, David first entered the presence of God. That remains the secret of spiritual strength today.”
David began his day by turning his attention heavenward. Before confronting enemies, problems, or responsibilities, he sought the Lord. Notice the progression, he begins with "My words." This is his spoken prayer. He moves on to “My meditation." These are his unspoken thoughts and groanings. He ends with "My cry." This is David’s earnest, passionate pleading. All this reveals prayer involves the whole person—mind, heart, and voice.
We learned that David is placing his prayer on the foundation of God’s character. David's confidence in prayer is rooted in whom he knows God truly is. He is not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness nor delights in evil. The Scriptures teach that God opposes wickedness, foolish pride, falsehood, the shedding of innocent blood, and the deceitfulness of sin. The people who are after David are filled with these malicious characteristics. So, David looks up with eager expectations and with patient hope that the Lord will deliver him from evil. The lesson here is clear, effective prayer grows out of reverence for God's holiness.
David’s faith and confidence in the Lord is striking in the face of evil. The wicked may appear powerful, but he knows God rules and reigns in the affairs of men. Prayer reminds believers that evil does not have the final word. David’s prayer replaced despair with the confidence of God's supreme authority.
In summary, here are some key truths about prayer from Psalm 5:1–6. Prayer is an act of dependence upon God. Prayer should be a priority, especially at the beginning of the day. Prayer involves our words, thoughts, and deepest cries. Prayer should be offered with expectation that God hears. Prayer is grounded in God's holiness and righteousness. Prayer gives courage when facing opposition and injustice.
Psalms 5:1-6 teach that prayer is not a last resort but should be our first priority. David began the day seeking God. He expects God to hear and finds confidence in God's holy character. The believer who prays learns to see life's troubles through the lens of God's sovereignty, righteousness, and faithfulness. Help us learn these lessons Lord we pray in Jesus’ name!
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