Some Interesting Prayers
O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you…
O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;
You cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.
Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
For you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies.
The LORD detests murderers and deceivers…
Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.
My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with flattery.
O God, declare them guilty.
Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
Let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
That all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O LORD;
You surround them with your shield of love. (Psalm 5: 1-12, NLT)
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you…
O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;
You cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.
Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
For you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies.
The LORD detests murderers and deceivers…
Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.
My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with flattery.
O God, declare them guilty.
Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
Let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
That all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O LORD;
You surround them with your shield of love. (Psalm 5: 1-12, NLT)
What is David groaning about in prayer?
First: David is groaning before God against his enemies and the wicked. This seems to be a staple prayer of David. David is constantly praying for God to deal with the wicked and to foil their plans. He describes these enemies as liars whose desire is to destroy others through traps they set, and who live in rebellion against God.
The truth is: The actions of the Wicked are detrimental to society. They destroy the innocent, destroy society with their greed and care less about the wellbeing of others. They live in rebellion against God. In fact, the Bible says, "When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish." (Proverbs 28:28, NLT)
Second: David prays for God to help him to walk righteously so that his enemies will not conquer him. This is important because obedience creates a hedge of protection around us.
Finally, David prays for God to bless and protect the righteous. The fact is: When the righteous prosper, it brings peace and prosperity to a people. As Scripture attests, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." (Proverbs 29:2, NIV).
These are interesting insights into the prayers of David. In our communion with God, we must not just focus on our existential needs but also take a broader look at society and call upon God to deal with the wicked and bless the righteous. We must pray with insight and understanding!
First: David is groaning before God against his enemies and the wicked. This seems to be a staple prayer of David. David is constantly praying for God to deal with the wicked and to foil their plans. He describes these enemies as liars whose desire is to destroy others through traps they set, and who live in rebellion against God.
The truth is: The actions of the Wicked are detrimental to society. They destroy the innocent, destroy society with their greed and care less about the wellbeing of others. They live in rebellion against God. In fact, the Bible says, "When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish." (Proverbs 28:28, NLT)
Second: David prays for God to help him to walk righteously so that his enemies will not conquer him. This is important because obedience creates a hedge of protection around us.
Finally, David prays for God to bless and protect the righteous. The fact is: When the righteous prosper, it brings peace and prosperity to a people. As Scripture attests, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." (Proverbs 29:2, NIV).
These are interesting insights into the prayers of David. In our communion with God, we must not just focus on our existential needs but also take a broader look at society and call upon God to deal with the wicked and bless the righteous. We must pray with insight and understanding!
Prayer: Father, please help me to understand your heart so that I can pray with insight and understanding. Amen.