Psalm 5:1-3 - The "Directed" Prayer

David was facing the greatest crisis and challenge of his life and kingdom. Everything was at stake! His son Absalom was leading an insurrection against him, and he was fleeing for his life. Everything was falling apart. It appeared to many people that there was no hope. “There are many that say, who will show us any good” (Psalm 4:6). So, what did David do? Did he send for help from the Assyrians or the Egyptians. Did he call on his friends in other countries to come to his aid? No, no, no! David prayed! Our beloved America is falling apart! Deceitful and corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and business leaders, with the help of a very liberal media, are erasing the spiritual heritage of this great country, destroying our economy and desecrating our culture! We are facing the greatest crisis we have ever faced in this country. Our biggest enemies are not Russian, China, Iran, North Korea, or any country that hates us. Our biggest threat is not the open border in the Southwest. Our greatest danger and threat is the corruption, greed, idolatry and immorality within us! There are many that believe the answer is found in the upcoming elections. To change the politicians that are running and ruining our country! And for sure, I believe that every Christian should fulfill their civic duty by voting in every election for candidates that will boldly stand for Biblical values and principles. But I’m also convinced that the real answer is found in God’s people praying!!!!!!!! And not just saying prayers, but knowing how to pray like David with “directed” prayers! “In the morning I will direct my prayer to you…” (v. 3) Notice that David prayed with his “voice” not just his thoughts. Also, David was not only faithful in his praying each morning, but he was also orderly and systematic. The word translated "direct" in verse 3 was used to describe the placing of the pieces of the animal sacrifices in order on the altar (Lev. 1:8). It also described the arranging of the wood on an altar (Gen. 22:9), the placing of the loaves of bread on the table in the tabernacle (Lev. 24:8), and the setting of a meal before the guests (Ps. 23:5). David wasn't careless in his praying; he had everything arranged in order. The Lord taught His disciples to pray with order in Matthew 6 with the model prayer. We should have specific things that we pray about in a systematic way by being Spirit filled and led. I have pages of specific names and things that I pray for each day.  For sure, I still pray about anything, at any time that the Holy Spirit might bring to my mind and attention. “Ask, seek, knock”,means to continually, persistently and urgently pray. The word “directed” also has a military connotation. It is used to describe a soldier presenting himself to his commander to receive orders, and an army set, “directed” in battle array on the field. In past years, many soldiers had presented themselves to David to get their orders, but David first presented himself to the Lord. In order to exercise authority, leaders must be under authority. "I will look up" conveys the idea of waiting expectantly for God to come and bless. In our daily morning meetings with the Lord, we should come like priests bringing sacrifices to the altar and soldiers reporting to our Captain for duty. Yes, 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 is still in the Bible! God has promised, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” My the Lord help us to learn to pray “directed” prayers that will change the hearts of people and the course of this great nation! God Bless!