We will sing for joy over your victory, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. They have bowed down and fallen, But we have risen and stood upright. Save, O LORD; May the King answer us in the day we call. Psalms 20:5-9
Proper prayer preparation recognizes: Why we are speaking to Him…v.2
In v.2 of Psalm 27 David recalls God’s past deliverance. When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. One of the greatest sources of assurance today is to recall the deliverance and provision of God in our yesterdays. God has never failed!
Confidence is increased if there is a history of success. God’s working throughout history in the lives of all of His people increases our hope and faith. However, there is great value in rehearsing God’s acts of grace in our own history. He did heal your child, find you a place to live, guide you through the storm, comfort you in your loss and much more. Prayer preparation remembers the acts of God to bring confidence to our prayer.
Proper prayer preparation recognizes: What it is He can do for us…v.3
Next, in v.3 of Psalm 27 David’s remembrance of the past causes him to declare his hope for the future. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. David’s song now rises in strength. There is a resolve in his voice that was not there before. The crescendo of confidence has now turned to hope! Future deliverance can become an envisioned victory!
Where fear once held its grip, faith now tears its hold and new visions of God’s power in our lives are released. The words in this verse are words of a victor, not a victim! “Bring them on!” David shouts.
J.B. Phillips wrote a wonderful book entitled Your God is Too Small. Reading Phillips' classic may disturb you into a proper understanding of the real and living God, a mystery whose ways are higher than our ways, whose thoughts are unfathomable. Phillips deals with incorrect ideas about the God of the Bible and challenges everyone not to exist with a God too small for their lives.
The Hebrew children rehearsed all of the acts of God through stories and traditions so their children would never forget the supernatural power of the true and living God. This focus of faith prepares the spirit to call to God for help. We need always remember: “The size of the problem is not as important as the size of your God.” Which are you looking at?
Scripture to Claim:
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2
