The book of Psalms contain 150 different Psalms (songs). Of those, King David authored 73. This man of war who was also a man of prayer teaches us so much. He was the youngest shepherd son of his father Jesse. The most unlikeliest choice to be anointed king. He lived such vastly differing experiences throughout his life.
From the solitude under the stars as a young man watching over sheep to being beckoned to the royal court to play songs for the king to becoming the champion of the armies of Israel. He was proclaimed hero of Israel as well as hunted as Israel’s Most Wanted man. He led a band of outlaws and was seated on the throne.
He conquered all of Israel’s enemies and enjoyed the very favor of God Almighty. He also sinned as passionately as he loved the Lord. Maybe it is why so many of us, who will never rule a nation, can so easily identify with King David. He was complex and simple. He loved God and he fell into sin. He was very much like us.
In this study we will examine his conversations with God via the songs he wrote. We will see David share 14 specific incidents from his life where he will bring those events transparently before the throne of God to petition God for help in navigating those circumstances. We will also see his heart laid bare before the Lord as he wrestles with God’s timing and God’s sovereignty. But the one constant we will see is that David knows that the Lord God listens to him and answers his prayers.
The man who held in his hands the shepherd’s staff and the warrior’s sword as well as the harp and the scepter also held the pen. He composed in humble heart the words of some of the most meaningful Psalms that have been treasured now for over 3000 years. He shows us all how to be honest in prayer. He also shows us how to turn back to God when we fail deeply.
*All Scripture references will be from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
PRAY
Father, teach me to be someone like David. Someone who turns to you in all things. Someone who can bring to you each and every situation I face. Help me to have the passion for following you like David. Help me to, O Lord, to have the kind of prayer life that David did.