Two questions to ask about prayer from Psalm 27

Yesterday, we started our sermon series "28 Days of Prayer.”

We take each February to focus on prayer intentionally, and this year, we've landed in the Psalms. Psalms are songs written to the Lord, but they are also prayers that the writers are crying out to God. This is seen in the words of David in Psalm 27. He prays for the Lord's presence; He prays for the Lord to hear him; He prays for the Lord to answer Him, and He prays for the Lord to protect Him. 

In our sermon yesterday, we asked two questions from Psalm 27. 

What are you asking for? 

In Psalm 27:4, David says, "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.”

At other seasons in His life, He internally asks God for other things. But here, He asks God for His "presence." This leads me to the question for you today: what one thing are you asking God for? Maybe it's for salvation, maybe it's for presence (like David in this season), it's perhaps for forgiveness, or healing, or for a child, or a relationship, or anxiety, or a job, or provision. Can I encourage you today; ask Him. This isn't a prosperity Gospel sort of thing; at the same time, God hears our prayers and provides based on our prayers. Use this season to ask God to provide what you need intentionally. 

How are you waiting? 

In verses 13-14, David says, "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! 

Amid David's fear and doubts, he has confidence in the Lord's acceptance, provision, and protection. But here's the warning. The things that you pray for do not always come at once. Or even when we want. Trusting God amid waiting is what builds faith. I've often said that God is never late… but He's rarely ever early. So, do we despair? Do we pout? Do we shake our fists at God when things go our way in the way we want in the time that we want? No. We wait. David says, "Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" So what do we do? We remember. Our spiritual memory isn't as good as we think it is. We write, we reflect, we pray, and we remember. You may not see it at the moment, but look at your spiritual life over months, years, or decades, and you'll see how much and how often God provides. 

I can't wait to hear stories of what God does in your life through this season of prayer! 

-Chris