Friday, September 12, 2014

Psalm 86: A Prayer of Praise

Now you may be wondering, of all the psalms I could have chosen from, why chapter 86?  Good question.   I chose it for several reasons.  First, I memorized verses 1-8 in the Bible Bee this summer, so I'm more familiar with this psalm that some of the others.  Second, I really like the way David incorporates praise in with his requests.  This is something I believe we need to emulate.  I've highlighted the praises of God.  Notice how they're woven throughout his prayer:
 
"Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me;
For I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am holy;
You are my God;Save Your servant who trusts in You!
Be merciful to me, O Lord,
For I cry to You all day long.

Rejoice the soul of Your servant,
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
And attend to the voice of my supplications.
In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me.
Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord;
Nor are there any works like Your works.
All nations whom You have made
Shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And shall glorify Your name.
For You are great, and do wondrous things;
You alone are God.
Teach me Your way, O Lord;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
For great is Your mercy toward me,
And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
O God, the proud have risen against me,
And a mob of violent men have sought my life,
And have not set You before them.
But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious,
Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.
Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me!
Give Your strength to Your servant,
And save the son of Your maidservant.
Show me a sign for good,
That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed,
Because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me."
 
How can you incorporate praise throughout your prayers?  How can you weave a theme of praise while at the same time bringing your requests before God?

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