Teach Me To PraySample

Prayer Heroes: David

Can I make a personal confession? The heroes I most look up to are not the perfect ones, the superheroes, but rather people who achieved great things even though they themselves were deeply flawed. King David did extraordinary things for the Lord, but his miserable sins are also laid out there for all to read in the Bible.

David is the chief author of the psalms--at least half of them were written by him. His psalms are real; they are authentic and true to life. He tells it just like it is. Even this mighty warrior, slayer of the giant Goliath, could write things like: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love” (Psalm 51:1).

David knew that his approval with his God rested not on his own performance but with God’s saving mercy. He prayed for forgiveness, for help with his problems, for protection from those who wished him harm, and for glory to God for his great and mighty acts.

I am happy if God has found a use for me during my time on earth. Truly it is a joy to serve him. But I am happier still that I have forgiveness for my sins. I crave God’s mercy far more than God’s praise. I think David did too.