A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 50

Text: Psalm 17

PLEADING DIVINE JUSTICE

IT IS VALID TO PLEAD FOF PROTECTION

It is not invalid to pray as the psalmist David did, when circumstances appear overwhelming! This is the privilege of every child of God!

THE RECOURSE OF PRAYER

There were other recourses available! But David chose to appeal to the Lord for divine justice to be upheld instead. (He could have chosen to give battle to his enemies)!

"Hear a just cause, O Lord,
Attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright."
Psalm 17:1-2

OTHER PSALMS THAT ARE SIMILAR

We have other psalms that are quite similar (Cf. Psalms 7, 9, 11) in theme and structure. The following pattern may be observed:-

1. There is the calling upon the Lord to be the Judge. Psalm 17:1

2. There is the declaration that the petition is indeed "a just cause". Psalm 17:1

3. There is request for vindication. Psalm 17:2

4. There is full trust that God would give justice to those who are upright. Psalm 17:2

MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS HIGH PERSONAL INTEGRITY

It is vital that we appreciate the place of personal integrity when we plead divine justice to be upheld. We must be sure that God Himself would first check out the petitioner. The person who pleads for justice to be upheld must be sure that he is not guilty of the sins that he charges his enemies with!

"You have tested my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress."
Psalm 17:3

Will the Lord hear just any prayer offered to him? What if the wicked offered prayers to God, for undisclosed reasons? How would God hear and respond? It is comforting to know that the Lord would indeed first test the heart before He grants an answer and leaves a blessing for the petitioner!

David made doubly sure that he would NOT be found guilty of harbouring sins in his life! Let us emulate his example!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~