Observation: A thousand years before Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, David knew.
Psalm 25 has a great structure reminiscent of the very prayer Jesus taught us. David declares the Lord as sovereign in his life; He declares his faith in the Lord; He asks for protection from harm and enemies this day; He asks that evil people be corrected; He asks the Lord to teach him more about his ways and his purposes and to guide his walk this day; He further asks for teaching on the word of God and his truths; He states his faith in the mercy and love of the Lord; He asks for forgiveness of his past sins; He concludes with a desire to be remembered in God's goodness this day.
When Jesus taught the disciples how to pray, it was as if the Israelites were looking for some new wisdom about what to pray for in the light of Messiah now being realized and with them. However, Jesus really just reminded them of the prayer life we should have already known and understood. David provided a model, and certain he received that from a tradition he had been taught.
Application: I desire to have a better prayer life. Sometimes I grow concerned that my most basic prayer thoughts are too basic, and simultaneously my formal prayers are not worthy due to a lack of deep reflection. David and Jesus both show me that my conversations with the Lord can and should be focused on some basic needs. My prayers just need to give God my glory and my faith, bring him my daily concerns, ask for forgiveness, and pronounce my very real belief that he will walk with me this day.
Prayer: Lord, you are my Lord and my God, the great creator and father. Thank you for all you provide to me this day. Please show me your will and purposes this day, so I may learn and grow in your ways. I ask your forgiveness, for I know I have sinned in thought and action. May your love wash over my mistakes. You are great and I worship you this day and every day. Amen.
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