DAVID’S PRAYER & WORSHIP

Time with Jesus - Monday, 06 August 2012

Hi all,

Today we look at one of the most extraordinary prayers in the Old Testament. It’s recorded twice so it’s reasonable to think God wanted us to know about it. It’s David’s prayer of thanksgiving, praise and worship for God’s promised to him that one of his descendants would sit on the throne forever.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Monday, 06 August 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
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	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	DAVID’S PRAYER & WORSHIP
There are some experiences in life that are both intimidating and unforgettable. As I write this I’m reminded of the Olympic Games which are currently in progress in London. Just over a week ago, Bradley Wiggins won the “Tour de France”. This cycle race must be the greatest test in cycling and perhaps many other sports than we have in 21st century. His next opportunity was to compete in the Olympic Games. As we know, he also won that race. Listening to Bradley, we are tempted to wonder which of these two events was the greatest in his eyes. He seemed to struggle with his answer. It seems that an Olympic Gold Medal means more to competitors than any of us realise. This opinion was shared by many of the athletes who won a silver or bronze medal and not a gold medal. We watched as men and women burst into tears because they had not won gold. We also observed the tears of joy of those who had won gold. Paul captures the attitude of the competitors in his letter to the Corinthians. 24 Don't you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win.1 Corinthians 9:24 GW Not many of us have won medals at the Olympics. The vast majority haven’t even competed in the games. Those who have tell us of the honour and privilege of representing their country. To have competed is described as a great honour. I agree with them. One of Scripture’s best loved men is surely King David. In spite of all his faults and mistakes it’s clear He had a love for God that is quite extraordinary, even by today’s standards. If nothing else we can tell from his Psalms that he was an extraordinary worshipper of God. One of his greatest aspirations was to build a “house for God”. We also know that through the Prophet Nathan he was told that because he was a man of war, God forbade it. We know that he did not do the building. That was left to Solomon, his son. But David designed the temple and left most of his personal wealth to be used for this purpose. In a way, God gave David a “gold medal” for wanting to build Him a house. In effect He said, “No David, you won’t build Me a house. Instead, I will build you a house” God told David that his descendants would always be seated on the Royal Throne! David was “gobsmacked”. It was something akin to God telling Bradley Wiggins that one of his descendants would always win the “Tour de France”. Today’s poem, which I wrote back in 1984, is my attempt to describe David’s reaction when God brought him this news. It was his response in thanksgiving, praise and worship to the Lord! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			A psalm of David. 1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. Psalms 24:1 NLT 8 She doesn't realize it was I who gave her everything she has--the grain, the new wine, the olive oil; I even gave her silver and gold. But she gave all My gifts to Baal. 9 "But now I will take back the ripened grain and new wine I generously provided each harvest season. I will take away the wool and linen clothing I gave her to cover her nakedness. Hosea 2:8-9 NLT 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give You only what You first gave us! 15 We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace. 16 "O LORD our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honour Your holy name comes from You! It all belongs to You! 1 Chronicles 29:14-16 NLT 36 All things come from him. All things are directed by him. All things are for his good. May God be given the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36 NIrV 17 Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 GW 4 Everything God created is good. Nothing should be rejected if it is received with prayers of thanks. 5 The word of God and prayer set it apart as holy. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 GW 19 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Philippians 4:19 MSG	2 Samuel 7:18-22   &   1 Chronicles 17:16 - 27 “I am not worthy, Sovereign Lord, of what You’ve done for me, Nor of the promises You‘ve made unto my family; And now You‘ve told me, Sovereign Lord, that You are doing more; Revealed the plans, for all my children that You have in store! To think that You would show me this! Lord, what can I say? You’ve shown this to Your servant, to demonstrate Your way! All these wondrous things You‘ve done, display Your loving will. There is no other God like You, who rescued Israel, From Egyptian bondage, to make us all Your own; And by Your great and mighty acts, Lord God, Your fame has grown, Until throughout this world of ours, You are known to be, The God who saved His people from Egyptian slavery! So now Lord God, for all of time, fulfil Your promises, To me and my descendants. May all the people bless, And spread Your universal fame. May they forever say, ‘The Lord is God of Israel and will remain that way!’ Oh Lord, preserve my dynasty until the end of time. Almighty God of Israel, please hear this prayer of mine. For unto me, Your servant, You have revealed these things; And shown that my descendants will always reign as kings! Lord, keep all these promises You’ve made to me today. Bless all my descendants! Lord, permit that they Will all enjoy Your favour. Lord, let Your blessing be, Continually resting upon my family.” Jim Strickland Written 1984 A Worship Poem I worship You, my Lord, my God and lift Your name up high; In adoration, I look up and now, I testify, That You alone are God above. Yes, You created all; You spoke The Word and so it was, from very large to small! Yes Lord, You are The Mighty God; The King of all the Earth; The never changing, glorious one, who gives us second birth; And every atom of my frame, a tribute to You sings A loud expression of my love for Christ, The King-of-Kings! Jim Strickland Written 1986