Prayer Lessons from David

I. Introduction: Christians recognize the need to pray. God has given us a wonderful gift yet sometimes we do not use it or feel something is lacking when we approach God. Tonight we are going to study David, a man of prayer to learn some lessons for approaching God.

II. David’s character influenced his prayer.

A. David’s prayers were not for show to impress others or even himself.

B. His example as a youth.

C. From his youth, David’s heart was true to God, 1 Samuel 16:7. From his youth, David trusted God, 1 Samuel 17:33-37. From his youth, David was courageous for God, 1 Samuel 17:45-47.

D. David was a man of prayer because he completely trusted and was true to Him.

E. When we fail to pray, as we ought, is it because down deep we really do not trust God, nor throw ourselves completely upon Him?

F. 1 Peter 5:6-7 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” James 1:5-7 – The unstable will not be answered.

G. When we fail to pray, as we ought, is it because our heart is not completely true to God?

H. James 4:1-8 – Ask amiss, heart is not with God.2 Timothy 1:12 “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

I. David was a man of prayer because he was obedient to God and His law.

J. There were notable exceptions to his obedience: trying to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem on the cart; the sin with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah.

K. For the most part he was obedient and respected God’s law.

L. 1 Samuel 26:7-11 – Would not slay God’s anointed. Psalm 18:20-24 (read Psalm intro) All of Psalm 119 praises the beauty of God’s law (ex., vvs 33-40).

M. David was reverent when approaching God.

N. No irreverent phrases like “big man upstairs” in the Psalms, only terms of reverence. Psalm 111:9 “…Holy and awesome is His name.” Psalm 148:13 “Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven.” We must feel close to God, but we must always be reverent when addressing our God. His name is to be exalted, not used in vain (expletives, casual use).

O. David’s prayers were not offered to stir up his emotions, he was already filled with great love for God that motivated him to pray.

III. Characteristics of David’s prayers

A. Filled with praise for God

B. Perhaps this is one area where our prayers are lacking.

C. We may begin with praise to God, but quickly move onto our interests and needs. Our prayers should be generous in praise of God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

D. Praise for God was sometimes contrasted with man’s insignificance.

E. Psalm 8:3-5 Psalm 144:3-4 “LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.”2 Samuel 7:18-24 Perhaps our prayers need a little less of “us” and more of God.

F. For what things is God praised?

G. Creator of the world and our own life Savior of the righteous, my Savior Protector and shepherd (“The Lord is my shepherd…”) King over all, sovereign lord of creation Judge of iniquity, punishing the wicked Praised for His great love, mercy, and forgiveness Not simple praise but descriptive (ie., Not a simple “I love you” but “How do I love thee, let me count the ways.”)

H. Pray for help and strength

I. When enemies surround him, Psalm 3:1-6 When doubting himself, Psalm 73 (way of wicked prospers)

J. When burdened with sin, Psalm 51.

K. Heartfelt sorrow and remorse over sin. Not a “Well, I can always repent” attitude towards sin. Realization that God can cleanse from sin, Psalm 51:7.

L. Pray for God’s will to be accomplished

M. 2 Samuel 7:25-29 – He wants God to be glorified. Jesus taught this as well, Matthew 6:10. When we pray for God’s will to be accomplished, we are asking also that we can be a part of the fulfillment of His will.

N. Prayer for himself

O. David prayed for his own comfort, aid, strength, and perseverance. However, David prayed for these things so that he could better serve God.

IV. Conclusion

A. We cannot separate ourselves from our prayers.

B. A double-minded, irreverent person will not offer an acceptable prayer to God not matter how beautiful the words. A sincere, fervent prayer offered to God will be heard no matter how feeble and elementary his speech might be. We must prepare ourselves for prayer with humility and a clean heart.

C. Our prayers must be God-focused, not self-focused.

D. Prayer must not be offered primarily for our benefit, it is the wrong motive. We come to glorify Him, not to satisfy our own needs.

E. We must desire prayer and develop it as a natural part of our existence, not as a duty.