NIV Once-A-Day At the Table Family DevotionalSample

After God’s Own Heart

• What do people mean when they say, “I’m too busy not to pray”?
• When is the best time for you to pray? Why?

In 1 Samuel 13:14, God describes David as “a man after [God’s] own heart.” One of the ways that King David sought God was through prayer. David’s conversations with God were notable.

In Psalm 5, we find three clues to David’s prayer success. The first is found in the words, “In the morning.” David didn’t pray whenever he felt like it; he prayed every day. More specifically, he prayed every morning. He dedicated the first part of his day to God.

The second clue is found in the words, “I lay my requests before you.” David wasn’t shy about telling God what he needed. He approached God with confidence, the way he would approach a friend. He shared what was going on in his life and what he thought he needed.

The third clue is found in the words, “wait expectantly.” David didn’t drop his requests at the Lord’s door and then go on his way. He waited for God’s response. Sometimes God said “yes”; sometimes God said “no.” Either way, David listened to God.

If you want to be a person after God’s own heart, you need to devote yourself to prayer as David did.

Dear God, thank you for meeting with us any time we approach you. Let us never forget what a privilege it is to talk to you. Amen.