What Results do You Expect From Prayer?

Psalms 5:1–12
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

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.