The Prayers of David: 40 Devotions Examining the Man After God's Own Heart

by Sidney Vineburg, Museum of the Bible Books (Created by)

Overview

David was a man after God's own heart, not because he was perfect, but because he always sought God through prayer. It is through his example we can learn to pray in all things at all times. The Prayers of David combines faithful scholarship with accessible writing to bring a personal level of reflection to these emotionally powerful prayers. Cross references and cultural and historical content bring a richer understanding of the Old Testament, while powerful inspirational writing inspires you to model your own prayer life after David's example.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781945470158
Publisher:	Worthy
Publication date:	10/17/2017
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	538,815
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Rabbi Sid Vineburg is an affiliate professor at the University of Haifa and a content expert at the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University. Dr. Vineburg is a Rabbi Emeritus at Anshe Poale Zedek Synagogue and was ordained "Rabbi, Preacher and Teacher in Israel" by Tifereth Yisrael Rabbinical Yeshiva in New York. Dr. Vineburg also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Marian University and a Doctor of Education degree (with Distinction) from Capella University in Minnesota.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

PRAYERS OF DAVID

Prayer for Leading and Guidance: 2 Samuel 2:1–7

Humility and Leadership

And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying: "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?" And the LORD said unto him: "Go up." And David said: "Whither shall I go up?" And He said: "Unto Hebron." So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household; and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and they there anointed David king over the house of Judah.

And they told David, saying: "The men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul." And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them: "Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shown this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. And now the LORD show kindness and truth unto you; and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing. Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be ye valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them." (2 Samuel 2:1–7)

In his classic book on businesses, Good to Great, author Jim Collins lists humility as a character trait that makes great leaders. The reason, he suggests, is because humble "leaders channel their ego needs away from themselves and into the larger goal of building a great company."

David is often considered a great leader in Jewish tradition, in part because he displayed courage even at an early age. Possibly the most famous example of this is the story of his victory over Goliath, in 1 Samuel 17.

But an often-overlooked leadership trait in David is his tendency to exhibit genuine humility before God. Even after serious mistakes, such as his adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), David humbles himself before God and confesses (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51). And as a leader, David often portrays humility in his vulnerable, heartfelt prayers for God's guidance.

This is evident in the words of David's prayer in 2 Samuel 2:1, which highlight David's trusting posture and humble attitude before God: "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?" and "Wither shall I go up?" In seeking God's counsel, perhaps he recognizes his insufficiency. Longing to do what is right for his people, as opposed to pursuing his ego, he stops and looks to God for help. He is neutral regarding God's direction one way or another.

Understanding the context of this prayer is helpful. King Saul and three of his sons — including Jonathan — are dead (1 Samuel 31:1–2). The Israelites are divided between Judah and Israel. At the time of this prayer, David is on the threshold of being named king over Judah, but one of Saul's sons, Ish-bosheth, is made king of Israel (2 Samuel 2:8–9).

David is faced with significant decisions. Rather than turn to his advisors or blindly trust in his own perspective, David in humility asks God if he should go to the towns of Judah to take up the throne. Then God instructs him to go to Hebron, and David humbly follows God's leading. And it is at Hebron that David is acclaimed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:4).

As we reflect on King David's prayer for guidance, we can see that David's attributes of a leader are found not just in his courageous moments but also in those occasions when he humbles himself and relies on God's guidance and mercy. By contrast, his leadership proves disastrous in those times when he acts in pride. This occurred when, against God's will, he took a census of the people and his military (1 Chronicles 21).

According to Jewish legend, David listened to his advisors and human counselors by day and studied the Torah (the five books of Moses) most of the night, as he sought guidance from God.

Just as David prayed for guidance at a watershed moment in his life, we can contemplate our own approach to making decisions about work and family. This prayer of David can be seen as a reminder to pause and humble our hearts before we rush into choices.

PRAYER

Avinu shebashamayim, our Father in heaven, you guided David to be a great leader and king. Help me to reach out to you for guidance in good times and bad. Help ground my work and life in your teaching. Guide me back to you in repentance and love when I stray. Grant me your foresight and wisdom to be a leader in my home, my community, and my country. May we seek wisdom. As David's son Solomon prayed, "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people" (2 Chronicles 1:10, NIV). Amen.

CHAPTER 2

PRAYERS OF DAVID

Prayer for the Fulfillment of God's Promise and Covenant: 2 Samuel 7:18–29

Be Thankful and Share

Then David the king went in, and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that Thou hast brought me thus far? And this was yet a small thing in Thine eyes, O Lord GOD; but Thou hast spoken also of Thy servant's house for a great while to come; and this too after the manner of great men, O Lord GOD. And what can David say more unto Thee? for Thou knowest Thy servant, O Lord GOD. For Thy word's sake, and according to Thine own heart, hast Thou wrought all this greatness, to make Thy servant know it. Therefore Thou art great, O LORD God; for there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like Thy people, like Israel, a nation one in the earth, whom God went to redeem unto Himself for a people, and to make Him a name, and to do for Thy land great things and tremendous, even for you, [in driving out] from before Thy people, whom Thou didst redeem to Thee out of Egypt, the nations and their gods? And Thou didst establish to Thyself Thy people Israel to be a people unto Thee for ever; and Thou, LORD, becamest their God. And now, O LORD God, the word that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy servant, and concerning his house, confirm Thou it for ever, and do as Thou hast spoken. And let Thy name be magnified for ever, that it may be said: The LORD of hosts is God over Israel; and the house of Thy servant David shall be established before Thee. For Thou, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, hast revealed to Thy servant, saying: I will build thee a house; therefore hath Thy servant taken heart to pray this prayer unto Thee. And now, O Lord GOD, Thou alone art God, and Thy words are truth, and Thou hast promised this good thing unto Thy servant; now therefore let it please Thee to bless the house of Thy servant, that it may continue for ever before Thee; for Thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it; and through Thy blessing let the house of Thy servant be blessed for ever." (2 Samuel 7:18–29)

Social researchers and psychologists are finding that the practice of thankfulness can lead to joy and emotional health. Giving thanks helps to move people from bitterness and depression to joy and optimism.

In this prayer, David is expressing his overwhelming gratitude for all that God has done for him. By looking closely at the prayer, we can gain a richer understanding of the importance of thankfulness in our own lives.

David utters this prayer during a time of peace for the Israelites (2 Samuel 7:1). David dwells in a palace made of cedar (2 Samuel 7:2). He is very concerned that while he has a fine house, the ark of the covenant (the ancient dwelling place of God) continues to be housed in a tent, as it had been since the time of Moses (Exodus 31:1–11).

So David consults with his court prophet and advisor, Nathan, and proposes a plan to build a great temple for the ark, a permanent dwelling for God that is even larger and more glorious than David's palace. Nathan initially approves David's plan (2 Samuel 7:2–3). However, during the night, God speaks to Nathan, reminding him that God does not need shelter or a house.

Because of David's thoughtfulness, God blesses David and gives him a covenant that extends to his heirs. In this covenant, God promises to plant the people of Israel eternally in their land (2 Samuel 7:10) and to build for David a "house" (bayit, "dynasty") that will rule over Israel forever: "And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16, NKJV). God also promises that a temple to God will be built — not by David, however, but by his successor, King Solomon (2 Samuel 7:12–14).

In his response to the generous covenant and promise of God, David acknowledges that he has done nothing to merit the great things God has already done for him (2 Samuel 7:18–19). David struggles to express his gratitude (verse 20). He can't believe God would do this for him. In his awe, he praises the God of salvation, who brought the Israelites out of bondage and settled them in the land of Israel (verses 22–24). Finally, in abject humility, David finds the courage to ask for brachot (blessings) on himself and his house (verses 27–29).

Although David hoped to build a temple for God, God instead grants David his own house, a dynasty. David offered to build a physical house for God, but in return, God gives him a "house" that is spiritual and generational. This "house" will last even longer than Solomon's Temple.

It is not hard for us to understand David's reaction. Any of us, given an unmerited gift of great value, would likely feel the awe and speechlessness that David experiences. Moreover, David expresses his gratitude by seeking to see God's name and reputation become more widely known in the world. In his prayer he says, "Thy name be magnified for ever" (verse 26). This indicates that David is seeking to use God's gift for purposes greater than just himself.

As we reflect on this prayer, we can pause and consider all the good things we have received and respond with gratitude and humility. In addition, David's prayer can inspire us to share what we've received as a gift with others. As David reminds us in Psalm 41:1, "Blessed is the one who considers the poor!" (ESV).

PRAYER

Eloheinu v'Elohei Avoteinu, our God and God of our ancestors, you are the faithful king of the world. We ask for our families and ourselves the covenant you promised King David, a promise of peace, wholeness, faithfulness and your love. As David prayed, "Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever" (2 Samuel 7:28–29, NIV). Amen.

CHAPTER 3

PRAYERS OF DAVID

Intercession for Solomon and Israel: 1 Chronicles 29:10–19

Leaving a Legacy

Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation; and David said: "Blessed be Thou, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of Thee, and Thou rulest over all; and in Thy hand is power and might; and in Thy hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee. For we are strangers before Thee, and sojourners, as all our fathers were: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no abiding. O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee a house for Thy holy name cometh of Thy hand, and is all Thine own. I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now have I seen with joy Thy people, that are present here, offer willingly unto Thee. O LORD, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever, even the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of Thy people, and direct their heart unto Thee; and give unto Solomon my son a whole heart, to keep Thy commandments, Thy testimonies, and Thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for which I have made, provision." (1 Chronicles 29:10–19)

Many people hope to leave something good behind for the next generation — to leave a legacy.

This human desire can be seen in this prayer by King David. By looking closely at David's prayer, as he contemplates the succession of his son Solomon, we can enrich our understanding of what it means to leave a legacy.

The context of this prayer is connected to David's desire to build a temple for God, a dream that God doesn't allow David to fulfill. Instead, God gives that task to Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:6–10). In response, as shown so beautifully in this prayer, David decides to release control of his aspirations to God and his son.

Before offering this prayer, David gathers all the officials of Israel, including military commanders and palace officials. Then he addresses Solomon, imploring him, "Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind" (1 Chronicles 28:9, ESV). David expresses his longing for his son to carry on the faith and serve the people of Israel with integrity.

However, these longings are tempered by some harsh realities. David's family life was rarely easy. He had several children by different wives, and they did not always follow God. His son Absalom led a military rebellion against David. At the time of this prayer, David's son Adonijah had declared himself king over Solomon and gathered a following.

Moreover, David recognizes that Solomon is "young and inexperienced" (1 Chronicles 29:1, ESV). Did David worry that his inexperienced son would not be ready for the task? If so, how did he handle that? We can't know everything that transpired in David's heart and mind, but his prayer shows him focusing on four things.

First, David recognizes that God is "exalted as head above all" (verse 11). This implies that David knows his future legacy is ultimately in God's hands. Despite his concerns and fears, David doesn't seem to focus on the problems and dangers that are out of his control. Instead, he turns his eyes to God, recognizes God's authority, and prays.

David also responds in humility, asking, "But who am I, and what is my people?" (verse 14). He recognizes life's brevity, saying, "For we are strangers [gerim] ... and sojourners [toshavim], as all our fathers were: our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding" (verse 15). In the face of his finite existence, and in recognition of his limitations, he entrusts the temple project to God. In this prayer, we find an opportunity to ask how we might best respond to our own limitations.

Then David prays that God would protect and support his son Solomon, who will carry David's legacy forward. David seems to recognize that Solomon's character will be paramount in his ability to lead the nation. He asks God to give Solomon "a whole heart" to keep God's commandments (verse 19). In terms of our legacies, the prayer brings attention to the importance of trustworthiness among those who assume responsibility for what we've established and planned.

Finally, David offers his wealth to help build the temple, a project that he would never see completed (verses 2–5, 17). It was an act of faith. David's generosity inspired others to give to the project (verses 6–9). Even at the end of his life, David makes a lasting contribution by giving his wealth for God's purposes.

PRAYER

Eloheinu v'Elohei Avoteinu, our God and God of our ancestors, grant us the blessings you gave to David. Make us worthy of your guidance. Help us to raise our children to know and love you. Grant that we may be examples of compassion, love, tolerance, and generosity so that we are worthy of our children and raise worthy children. May they, like King Solomon, be faithful so that they may build your community of shalom, of peace. Amen.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Prayers of David"
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