Pray Confidently - Psalm 86:1-13 - February 1, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Pray Confidently – February 1, 2009

We begin a new series of Bible study entitled “How to pray with power.”

February 1 - “Pray Confidently” - Psalm 86:1-13. This Psalm was written by David.
February 8 – “Pray Persistently” – Matthew 15:21-28; Luke 18:1-8.
February 15 – “Pray in Jesus’ Name” – John 14:12-14; 15:14-16; 16:23-26.
February 22 – “Pray for Others” – John 17:9-19.

What is prayer? To put it simply, prayer is a conversation with GOD. When we communicate with someone there are several elements involved. We need to talk and we need to listen. When we talk, do we know what we are talking about? When we listen, do we listen actively or do we already have our minds made up? We need to comprehend and understand what is being said to us. There are times we do not know what to say or how to say it. This is when the HOLY SPIRIT comes along our side to pray in our behalf or help us to pray.

We need to realize that GOD can speak to us any way HE chooses. Some of the ways HE speaks to us are:

Through HIS Word – The Bible
Through a still small voice or a whisper – The HOLY SPIRIT.
Through circumstances.
Through the church and fellow believers.

When we look at the titles to the lessons for our series of study, it seems that there is a certain prescription for praying to GOD to get what we want. Often believers like to think their prayers get through to GOD over the prayers of other believers. Believers can get a spiritual arrogance, if they are not careful. All believers have access to GOD. However, there are certain rules that govern prayer but it is all about the heart and our relationship to GOD, through CHRIST. The Bible tells us there are certain things in our lives that can block our prayers such as un-confessed sin, not praying according to GOD’S will and husbands not being good to your wife. (1 Peter 3:7: - 7 Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with understanding of their weaker nature[6] Lit understanding as the weaker vessel yet showing them honor as co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.). When a believer is in relationship with GOD, then he or she is in the will of the FATHER.

David wrote Psalm 86. GOD said David was a man after HIS OWN HEART.

As with any scripture, we can first examine the content and context of what is being written. What was the author saying? What was the message? What was the experience? What was the author’s relationship with GOD or CHRIST? What did the author learn? What is the message to us? In our scripture today, let us first get an idea of David’s relationship with GOD. Our relationship with GOD is vital when we are praying. Where is GOD when we pray?

In the English language we use LORD, Lord and God interchangeably when referring to GOD. Most Bible translations use LORD, Lord and God to denote the specific name the author was using for GOD to communicate a certain attribute or character of GOD. When David wrote Psalm 86 he may have used his reference to LORD, Lord, and God interchangeably but he also may have had a particular attribute or character of GOD in mind. I like to think he used these words on purpose. I think David’s use of these different words for GOD gives us insight into his heart toward GOD. This, in turn, helps believers to see why David had such confidence in GOD’S ability to take care of him. But notice, I used the word “I think” which is my personal viewpoint.

In verses 1-3, David used three (3) different names for GOD. In verse 1 he used the name LORD (All upper case – in the scripture it is upper case L and upper smaller case for ORD) which translates “Yahweh” or “Jehovah” which is the covenant name for GOD meaning “I AM.” David had a covenant relationship with GOD because Israel had a covenant relationship with GOD. GOD made the covenant with Abraham. David was a descendant of Abraham thus the covenant extended to David.

The first thing David references is his covenant relationship to GOD. As believers we have a family relationship with GOD because of our faith in CHRIST. HE gave HIS life to pay the sin debt for us. A person’s acceptance of HIS passion results in his or her spiritual rebirth. Through the miracle of spiritual rebirth, a believer is born into GOD’S family and receives the gift of eternal life. A believer’s relationship with GOD is a bond of love which transcends any covenant because he or she becomes a child of GOD.

When believers pray, they need to understand they can enter into the presence of GOD and call HIM FATHER and he listens. How many of us have been in an important meeting and we get a call from one of our children. What do we do? Most of us take the call. GOD does the same. HE is available to HIS children 24/7. GOD also responds to a sinners prayer for salvation 24/7.

In verse 2 David used the word “Elohim” for God, which has multiple or plural meanings related to creation. Elohim embraces the trinity – The FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT. It also carries the meaning of God being the true, supreme God. GOD created all of the materials things he could see such as the earth, the things upon earth, the sun, moon and stars but most of all GOD created him. Since GOD created him, GOD would take care of him and help him in all circumstances he encountered along life’s journey. David had confidence in GOD.

GOD created us for a purpose. One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 1:4: 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5]

In verse 3, David used the word “Adonai” for Lord (Upper case/lower case), which translates “Master” or “Owner” or “GOD is sovereign.” David ended verse 2 by referring to himself as a servant or a slave of GOD. He continued this thought by referring to GOD as his “Master.” A slave or servant does whatever his or her Master asks. This shows the attitude of David’s heart. David was a willing servant or slave available to obediently serve GOD. His relationship with GOD was such that he trusted GOD completely.

I will underline Lord or the upper case/lower case when it is used in our scripture to help us see which name David was using when he referred to God.

Let’s read Psalm 86:1-5: - GOD’S Character

Lament and Petition
A Davidic prayer.

1 Listen, Lord, and answer me,[1] Ps 4:1; 17:6; 71:2; 102:2 for I am poor and needy. 2 Protect my life, for I am faithful.[2] Ps 37:28; 97:10; 1 Sm 2:9 You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You. 3 Be gracious to me, Lord, for I call to You all day long.[3] Ps 27:7; 57:1; 119:58 4 Bring joy to Your servant’s life,[4] Ps 90:15; 92:4 since I set my hope on You, Lord.[5] Ps 43:8 5 For You, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abundant in faithful love[6] Ex 34:6; Nm 14:18; Neh 9:17 to all who call on You.

First, let us consider why David was writing this Psalm. There are several possibilities but Psalm 86:14 may give us the best clue:

14 God, arrogant people have attacked me; a gang of ruthless men seeks my life.[15] Ps 119:69,85 They have no regard for You.

David was in a situation where his life was in grave danger and he was praying to GOD. These words expressed his earnest prayer when his life was threatened. This Psalm reflects the trust, confidence, understanding and knowledge that David had in GOD based upon his experience with GOD over the years. David trusted GOD and was confident in GOD’S ability to hear him and respond. This is why having an intimate, loving relationship with GOD is vital for all believers.

First, we must have faith that GOD exists. Second, we need to have a relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Third, we need to believe HE can do what HE says HE can do. Believing is one thing but putting your faith into action is another. Having an intimate, loving relationship with GOD is vital in living the abundant Christian life. We get to know GOD through relationship. GOD is not in heaven but HE is present with us and is vitally interested and concerned with our spiritual growth and development. GOD’S desire is for believers to be spiritually mature. David knew GOD and the character of GOD through experience which translated into a confident relationship.

GOD was a reality to David. GOD was real and capable of hearing what he had to say and to respond – Listen and answer. David had confidence in GOD to protect him. David tells GOD that he is faithful and reconfirms that his faith is in GOD and no other. David showed confidence and trust in GOD’S ability because his hope was in HIM.

First, we have to believe that GOD exists and that HE can help us.

GOD wants us to be honest with HIM. Our faith, trust or confidence in HIM or HIS ability may be weak. We need to tell HIM. HE already knows it but we need to not hide it. When we are honest with GOD and we have a problem or concern with HIM we need to tell HIM. Doing so gets a barrier into the open so GOD can help us with the problem, concern or barrier.

I think JESUS helps us understand this in Mark 9:17-24:

17 Out of the crowd, one man answered Him, “Teacher, I brought my son to You. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.” 19 He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation![5] Dt 32:5; Mk 6:6; Php 2:15 How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 So they brought him to Him. When the spirit saw Him, it immediately convulsed the boy. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father. “From childhood,” he said. 22 “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Then Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can?’[6] Other mss add believe [7] Jesus appears to quote the father’s words in v. 22 and then comment on them. Everything is possible to the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”

Be honest with GOD.

Let’s read Psalm 86:6-10: Be confident that GOD will respond.

6 Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. 7 I call on You in the day of my distress, for You will answer me.[7] Ps 20:1; 50:15; Gn 35:3 8 Lord, there is no one like You among the gods, and there are no works like Yours.[8] Ex 15:11; Dt 3:24; Isa 45:21 9 All the nations You have made will come and bow down before You, Lord, and will honor Your name.[9] Ps 22:27; 66:4; Zch 14:16 10 For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God.[10]

David is in a dire situation and needs GOD’S help. He repeats to an extent what he said in verse 1. It is a plea expressing the urgency of the situation but with confidence that GOD will come to his aid.

David not only acknowledged GOD as his Master but he said all nations would honor HIM as their Master. David also acknowledged GOD as creator of everything and that HE created him, therefore, he was confident that GOD would deliver him from the situation he was in.

Verses 8-10 are praises to GOD expressing David’s confidence that in essence, GOD had already delivered him from his situation. David made it perfectly clear his faith was in the true GOD and not some other god. He knew the difference and acknowledged that difference. He did not have any thought that even his ability could get him out of his situation.

Let’s read Psalm 86:11-13:

11 Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth.[11] Ps 26:3; 27:11; Isa 2:3 Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name.[12] Ps 111:9; Dt 28:58; 1 Kg 8:43 12 I will praise You with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor Your name forever. 13 For Your faithful love for me is great,[13] Ps 57:10; 145:8 and You deliver my life from the depths of • Sheol.[14] Ps 30:3; 49:14–15; Jnh 2:3–6

David again expresses his utmost confidence in GOD, his Master to lead, guide and teach him truth. David acknowledges that his flesh gets in the way and he ask his covenant GOD to help him stay focused upon HIM and not his ability.

David acknowledges GOD as his Master not because of fear but because of GOD’S love for him as his creator. David places utmost confidence in GOD even unto death.
This shows the heart of David and his confidence and trust he has in GOD. All of this did not happen overnight but it was the result of David’s experiential relationship with GOD over the years.

When David went to GOD in prayer he was confident GOD would hear him and respond because he knew GOD as a result of his experience with GOD. Are we that confident in GOD? If not, confess it to GOD and ask him to help your unbelief. Being honest with GOD is the beginning of building a wonderful relationship with HIM.

This should be an exciting study.