A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 95

Text: Psalm 25

A PRAYER FOR VINDICATION

What is a prayer for vindication? The following thoughts may help to give us an idea as to what this kind of prayer is.

1. There is usually a context of being severely accused by enemies

a) Sometime the allegations are stated

b) At other times these are not stated

2. The psalmist sends forth an appeal to God as the Judge Supreme

a) He offers his heart for examination

b) He believes that his integrity and righteousness would pass the scrutiny of the Judge

PSALM 26 AS A PRAYER FOR VINDICATION

We have a good example of Psalm 26 as a prayer for vindication. The opening lines sets for this psalm as a prayer for vindication.

“Vindicate me, O LORD,
For I have walked in my integrity.
I have also trusted in the LORD,
I shall not slip.” Psalm 26:1

1. “Vindicate me, O LORD”

What was the psalmist actually pleading for when he offered this prayer to the Lord?

a) He was seeking redress

b) He was asking that the Lord would show his enemies how wrong they were to accuse him

c) He was expecting that the Lord would vindicate him in a very open manner!

2. “I have walked in my integrity.”

The psalmist knew just how vital this point really is when he appealed to God to vindicate him. He was not claiming sinlessness, just “integrity.”

a) Integrity may involve a set of truths and principles one lives by

b) The appeal to personal integrity must mean that the petitioner has been consistent in living up to his personal standards.

3. “I have also trusted in the Lord”

In addition to “integrity” the psalmist also appealed to the fact that he still maintained a strong personal faith he called “trust in the Lord.” This appeal is possible if the psalmist had indeed been careful about maintaining his walk with the Lord!

He believes that his appeal would be met with favour from the Lord and thus he would “not slip” in his life, no matter how many allegations may be hurled against him! The prayer for vindication is “effective” only insofar as one walks with integrity.

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~