David confidently approaches a God that hates wickedness and offers grace to the righteous. It is believed David offers this prayer as a part of his morning routine, thus, “…in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you…” He entreats God to listen to his prayer as he seeks his holy governance. Most of us start our mornings with activities to include, but not limited to, teeth brushing, showers, coffee, morning news/sports updates, etc… (not particularly in this order). What a blessing it would be to enter into prayer before our God immediately when we awake in the morning.
Lord Hear my prayer. David pleads with God to, “give ear to my words…….give attention to the sound of my cry…” His prayer does not offer lip service, but rather expresses a deep “groaning” in the thoughts and affection of his soul. He prays without pretension, but rather with earnestness. He prays from a deep pit of discouragement, where the only place left to look is up.
How often have many of us been here? Our best laid plans have fallen apart? A friendship is shattered in pieces due to distrust and discord? Our good we do is repaid with evil? Mistakes and weakness in our human condition are rewarded with ridicule and isolation among the assembly of the saints? Whatever the reason, it can land us in this same pit where David finds himself. We know we are in a bad place when the only people willing to lend us a hand in our time of need, are those who stand in judgement over us and want to help us dig a deeper pit. Here are some applicative tips on the value of morning meeting (prayer/communion) with God:
- The Ritual of Prayer. As a spiritual discipline, every Christian should have a daily routine of prayer (that incorporates Bible reading/meditation) with God. Sunday services and Pastors are not mediators between you and God. Because of Christ, you and I can approach God directly for ourselves (1 Tim 2:5). Remember, the Gospels record Jesus’ diligent prayer life. Further, even Daniel’s enemies knew the routine of his prayer life (he prayed 3 times a day) and they used the knowledge to set a trap for him that he may be thrown in the lion’s den (Dan 6:10). For many years, I have practiced praying while still laying in my bed when I first open my eyes in the morning before my feet touch the floor.
- Who are you praying to? As David begins to lay out his plea before God, he does not forget to identify who he is directing his prayer to, “…my King and my God, for to you do I pray…” He heaps an offering of praise and affirmation of God’s authority (lordship) over him. Jesus taught his disciples to pray in a similar way. As a concept of prayer, he instructed them to open their prayers acknowledging the sovereignty and holiness of God, “…Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name” (Mt 6:9). By praying in this way, we are reminded that God is first and the focus of our prayers. He already has a plan to care for our needs before the request leaves our mouths. This is great encouragement as we approach him.
- Pray fervently. David asks God to, “consider my groaning.” He is praying with deep emotion of the soul. What does it mean to be earnest in prayer as David is in our focus text? We approach God with intent and a serious frame of mind. What you and I have to share with God is important to Him. Two excellent examples of such earnestness are (a) Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest (Lk 22:44) and (b) when the church prayed for Peter when Herod imprisoned him with intent to execute him. Their corporate prayer was so purposeful, they did not realize that God had already answered them by sending an angel to execute a jailbreak. Later, when Peter showed up at the house they were gathered, they were still praying (Acts 12:1-19).
When we seek God in prayer first thing in the morning, we make him our priority for the whole day. Not only do we have an opportunity to approach him with thanksgiving (cf. Phi 4:4-7), but we receive instruction, reassurance, comfort, and heaven’s perspective that is needed to engage in the challenges of the day. It is the very definition of “getting up on the right side of the bed.” Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com