In Today's Scripture Reading:
David forbidden to build the Temple; God makes a Covenant with David; his prayer; God extends David's kingdom
Prayer and praise to God were distinguishing characteristics in the life of David. It is often recorded: David inquired of the Lord (I Samuel 23:2,4; 30:8; II Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1; I Chronicles 14:10,14). David's prayer life was often words of praise. David prayed: O Lord, there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears (17:20). Although almost everyone is aware of the importance of prayer, few make it a vital part of their lives. But prayer has led many Christians to make right decisions. As we pray, we are speaking to our Father, and as we read His Word, He is speaking to us. That is open communication in the family of God. Prayer and knowing God's Word are vital links in releasing heaven's power to answer our prayers. With utmost confidence, I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress (whose power the enemy forces cannot penetrate): my God; in Him will I trust (Psalm 91:2).
There is no other how-to-pray manual, nor any better reading plan, than beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation. It is an attitude of foolish pride to believe we are qualified to choose what not to read when the Lord has clearly said: All Scripture is . . . profitable (II Timothy 3:16). If it is all . . . profitable and we don't read all of it, then we fail to gain the best preparation for prayer that God has provided. When we recognize the Bible as His unique prayer manual written for us, we will give it priority far above all other important matters in our daily schedules.
Open your Bibles reverently, daily, praying that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding (mind) being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward (toward us) who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (Ephesians 1:17-19). Let the dominating motive in all your reading of God's Word be that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10).
Christ Portrayed:
By David, the shepherd-king (I Chronicles 17:7; compare Matthew 1:1-2; Romans 1:3), symbolic of Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and King of saints (all believers) (Revelation 15:3).
Word Studies:
17:7 sheepcote =b> pasturelands; 18:4 houghed =b> crippled by cutting leg tendons; 19:4 hard by =b> close to; 19:6 odious =b> detestable, morally offensive.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Sarah Camalia Johnson Staff: Dan Murton Government Officials: Rep. George Miller (CA) and Sen. Ben Nelson (NE) Country: Singapore (4 million) in Southeast Asia Major languages: Chinese and Malay Religious freedom 54% Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese Traditional Religion; 15% Muslim; 9% Protestant; 4% Catholic; 3% Hindu; .5% Sikh; .2% Baha'i; 14.3% None/Other Prayer Suggestion: Remember that faith is a vital tool in your prayer life to ensure your prayers are answered (Romans 12:3).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 12:6