ANSWERED PRAYER

How do you pray when someone you know—even yourself—is having a tough time? Maybe you recall the Lord’s Prayer; maybe you’re encouraged by one of Paul’s prayers for the early church; maybe a psalm of lament or struggle gives you comfort. Perhaps you can’t manage to find any words for your situation or emotional state and you just rely on the Holy Spirit’s groaning on your behalf (Rom. 8:26). Even in exile, Esther would have had access to some of the prayers of her people, maybe including Psalm 20. Although written as a petition for protection and victory for Israel’s king, it has applicability to all who lead God’s people in challenging circumstances.

The psalm is in two parts—first petitions (1–5), then affirmations (6–9). The content reflects the vocabulary and imagery of the worship and culture of ancient Israel. As you read, can you think of meaningful modern equivalents? Note especially the active verbs used of God’s activity on behalf of the person being prayed for. What a rich prayer this is, far from the “God bless so-and-so” of our limited imaginations. Just as the psalmist was specific in his requests, we can be specific in our requests of the King of kings. The cumulative message of this psalm’s series of petitions and affirmations is that it is the Lord who turns difficult situations around, not the intended beneficiary of the prayer.

When we have cause to celebrate answered prayer—maybe even by shouting for joy and waving our banners!—we must always remember that, at its heart, the victory is God’s doing. Worldly symbols of wealth, power and influence cannot be trusted to provide the solutions to life’s deepest problems. It is God alone who “works for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28; 1 Pet. 5:10).

What challenges are you facing today? Submit it in prayer to the Lord.