Introduction

We are so glad you are joining us for these daily prayer posts. Over the next four weeks we are going to listen to the prayers of the Bible, and the saints of God. Their prayers are going to teach us how to pray.

Each devotion will take five to seven minutes of your time.

1. We will look at an insight from those who know something important about prayer.
2. We will listen to the prayers of people in the Bible—people just like us. And to people who gained a deep measure of spiritual intimacy with God because they prayed.
3. We will reflect, asking the same four questions each day that invites us to look and listen with intent.
4. And we will pray, for it is in praying that we learn to pray. And it is in praying that the Spirit changes our hearts.

May we encourage you to grab a notebook, a journal, something to write on as you do each prayer guide. Yes, it will add a few minutes to the time it takes to do the devotion, and it will also deepen your experience and shape your walk with God for years to come.

Look

It does not spoil your happiness to confess your sin. The unhappiness is not making the confession.

C.H. Spurgeon

Listen

There is a fundamental principle in the life of faith: Dependence on God equals blessing. Self-reliance equals judgment. Just after relying on God for a great victory, David falls into self-reliance. He commands a census be taken of Israel’s fighting men. In other words, he wants to know how much power he has. Note, the focus is on what “he has” rather than “who God is.” David knew he had sinned the moment the results were reported, and he prayed…

2 Samuel 24:10

¹⁰ But David’s heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”

Reflect

1. Having read the Word, sit silently for a minute and give God’s Word a moment to settle within you.
2. Re-read the verses slowly and write down some thoughts that resonate with you.
3. Ask the Spirit to help you see the deeper longings, desires or motives in your heart that those thoughts are pointing to. (For example: you may write down, “David asked that his guilt be forgiven.” The Spirit can help you recognize that all of us have a deep longing to be relieved of our guilt when we know we have done wrong.)
4. What are some elements of David’s prayer of confession that can guide you when the Spirit brings your sin to mind?

Pray

All of us make mistakes. All of us fail to always do right and never do wrong – in thought, word or deed. All of us sin. Remember, “confession” is simply” agreeing with God.” When we confess sin, we are telling God, “we agree Lord, this is sin.” Using David’s prayer as your template and guide, make it your own today.