“David’s Prayer”
Psalm 51:1-17
Prayer has been our subject for many weeks/months and yet I find no end to this fascinating study.
We have looked at 29 of the 650 and today we are going to look at a very well known prayer, the prayer King David after his relationship with Bathsheba.
2 Samuel 12:7 “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;”
2 Samuel 12:13 “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.”
Surly a sad year in the life of David because he tried to hide his sin and the lies that were built upon this act had just come crashing down.
But hope is not in God not finding out; because He already knows.
True hope and peace comes with restoration between God and man.
The sin cannot be undone and the innocent life cannot be restored, but praise the Lord forgiveness is still available.
So we come to Psalms 51 and we read this great prayer that is not only for David but for you and me as well.
There is so much here that I will only make short statements concerning this great text.
I. David’s Plea
Vs. 1-2
Mercy – not receiving what we deserve.
David knew it was God’s lovingkindnes, the multitude of thy tender mercies, which can and will accomplish this cleansing of sin.
II. David’s Honesty
Vs. 3-6
I believe one of the hardest parts of life is admitting when we are wrong.
Such is the case with David and I can say with no doubt shuch is our case as well.
Acknowledge - to know by experience to recognize, to admit or declare.
Transgression – rebellion, to revolt
My sin is ever before me – I cannot sleep it away, I cannot wish it away, I cannot run from it.
Vs. 4 “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:…”
Yes there were others involved but in truth David is right.
Vs. 5 “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;…” Sin may be how we were born but sin does not need to be exalted nor should we blame others.
Vs. 6 “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:…” – The world may never see the lie that is hidden but God seems to be saying; “just be honest with yourself.”
III. David’s Desire
Vs. 7-12
Once we get over the fact that we cannot get away with sin it becomes necessary to ask for forgiveness.
Vs. 7 “Purge me…” -
Vs. 8 “Make me to hear joy and gladness;…”
Vs. 9 “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.”
Vs. 10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God;…”
Vs. 11 “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”
Vs. 12 “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;…”
IV. David’s Declaration
Vs. 13-15
Forgiveness is great but what will take place after we have been forgiven?
In the case of David, looks like he made some plans to serve the Lord!!
Vs. 13 “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”
I think I will tell others of how awesome God is!
Vs. 14 b “my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.”
There is a song in his voice and a spring in his step!
Vs. 15 “O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.”
Not only do I want to tell others I also want to spend time praising the LORD!
V. David’s Understanding
Vs. 16-19
We do not work for salvation but David understood that when forgiven there comes responsibilities to serve because of salvation and forgiveness.
Vs. 16 “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.”
Vs. 17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart,…”
Vs. 18 “Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion:…”
Vs. 19 “Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,…”
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Conclusion:
A simple look at a powerful prayer that is still available today.
But this cannot be reached without a relationship with GOD’s SON JESUS.
