What Results do You Expect From Prayer?
August 4, 2021
Commentary
David pleads with God to listen as he prays morning by morning (vv. 1-3). It shows that his first thought each day was prayer. One of the greatest needs among Christians is a personal time with the Lord each day. For the most part both parents and churches have failed to train their families in this basic step in the Christian life. The psalmist expresses his confidence in approaching a God who hates evil and delights in answering the prayers of the righteous (vv. 4-7). When the righteous pray to God, they should expect results (James 5:16). Yet, prayer seems to be one of the most neglected and difficult things we do in the Christian life. The secret of a close relationship with God is to pray to Him earnestly at an appointed time each day. This is preferably in the morning when our minds are more free from problems, and we can commit the whole day to God.
David did not fight Saul. Instead, he left those battles to the Lord. He trusted God to care for him, and God did not fail. His prayer for guidance became an urgent plea for God to judge his foes (vv. 9-10). These enemies could not be trusted in what they said. Their words were very deceitful and full of flattery. David called on God to hold them guilty. His desire was to follow the path of right conduct and not be numbered among those God hates. God blesses and protects those who love Him: (1) He defends them (v. 11), (2) He blesses them (v. 12), and (3) He shields them from harm (v. 12). The righteous should not fear what their enemies can do to them, because we are only a prayer away from divine assistance and protection. We often make the mistake of thinking of love only in terms of gentleness. But God’s love is stronger than any enemy we might face.
Application
I believe that one of the greatest reasons I became a Christian was that I had a praying mother. One of the weakest areas of my Christian walk has been my prayer life. Because of the power of prayer, I believe the devil works very hard trying to keep me from spending time in prayer. I am more committed than ever before to taking note of prayer requests and praying for others.
Psalms 5:1– 12 (NET)
1 Listen to what I say, Lord! Carefully consider my complaint!
2 Pay attention to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I am praying to you!
3 Lord, in the morning you will hear me; in the morning I will present my case to you and then wait expectantly for an answer.
4 Certainly you are not a God who approves of evil; evil people cannot dwell with you.
5 Arrogant people cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who behave wickedly.
6 You destroy liars; the Lord despises violent and deceitful people.
7 But as for me, because of your great faithfulness I will enter your house; I will bow down toward your holy temple as I worship you.
8 Lord, lead me in your righteousness because of those who wait to ambush me, remove the obstacles in the way in which you are guiding me.
9 For they do not speak the truth; their stomachs are like the place of destruction, their throats like an open grave, their tongues like a steep slope leading into it.
10 Condemn them, O God! May their own schemes be their downfall. Drive them away because of their many acts of insurrection, for they have rebelled against you.
11 But may all who take shelter in you be happy. May they continually shout for joy. Shelter them so that those who are loyal to you may rejoice.
12 Certainly you reward the godly, Lord. Like a shield you protect them in your good favor.