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How to Have a Successful Prayer Life - Take These Four Steps Found in Psalm 5:1-3

There are many lessons to be learned from this short Psalm of 12 verses. In this study, being the first in this series, the focus will be on the opening statements of King David. When applying the principals found in the first three verses, we will have a foundation on which to rest our relationship with our heavenly Father in regards to prayer --  and in effect, set the stage for the rest of the series.

The amount of time we spend in direct fellowship with God determines much of our walk in trust and obedience. How do we know if we are obedient if we don't know God's standards, and how can we trust a God we hardly know? 

King David was a man known for prayer. He never failed to share his heart with God – from simple frustration to the deepest agonies of his heart. The greatest example of King David goes far beyond this. He did not stop at sharing his concerns. His prayers always turned from complaint to praise, and his praise always led to confidence, renewed strength, and a deeper love and understanding for Yahweh – the God of all creation.

If we look at Psalm 5 as a "day in the life of" King David, it will help us to see the relevance and practical application to our lives, giving us the desire to know God in a deeper way (hopefully)…. Beginning first thing in the morning:

"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, My king and my God, for to You I will pray, my voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up" Psalm 5:1 – 3

In this portion of the text, we see that David starts his day with God – in this, he does four things.

1. He asks God to listen and consider him.

2. He makes his requests known.

3. He makes a commitment to commune with God.

4. He expects God to respond.

Why does David ask God to listen to, and consider him?

Do you ever listen to someone without taking into account what he or she is really saying? Do you intend to do something about what is being asked of you, or are you just lending an ear?  In David's request we see that he is asking God to think about what he is saying and respond accordingly. In other words, do something about it. What an honest cry. This reveals David's understanding and respect for God as the Almighty, because he knows that if God chose not to hear us, we could do nothing to get his attention. Therefore, step one requires a humble attitude and a heart of repentance on our part in recognizing we are privileged that God would hear us.

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that he cannot save; nor His ear too heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." Isaiah 59:1-2

Trusting that God has chosen to listen, David moves on to the second step by laying his heart before Him – his complaints, desires, and finally his praise. The New Testament gives us instruction to do the same:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7

Notice that the peace of God comes after praying, and before our prayers are answered. It is in trusting that God will hear and respond according to His good and perfect will, that peace fills our hearts.

David understood the importance of constant communion with God – in good times and bad times, in praise and in listening. Everything about his safety, security, and confidence was dependant upon talking to and listening to the Lord. In this, he takes step three and commits to spend time with God first thing in the morning.

How do you begin your day? Do you pray and spend time in God's word? Or do you run out the door with a quick – "I hope I have a good day" thought. How is it that we who claim to love God spend so little time with him and then wonder why things are out of control. Granted, spending time with God may not change the course of our day, but it will certainly prepare us to handle with victory that which lies ahead. God forgive us – God forgive me.

Finally, we see the confidence David has in God when he says, "and I will look up". (vs 3b)

David's close relationship with God is evidenced for us in this statement. He started with a plea to be heard and ends with looking up toward heaven – waiting for God to respond. This incidentally, strongly implies two-way communication with God.  How often are we quiet before the Lord, waiting for him to speak – how often do we seek his word that speaks of the concerns of our hearts? Thus, a successful prayer life is not gauged by how lofty we sound; it is measured by how well we trust, read, and listen for God's response and direction.

This expectation does not come from an arrogant – name it and claim it kind of attitude, but rather, from a humble heart, which understands the character of God and his love for us as individuals – remembering it is Jesus who made it possible for us to have access to the Father.

"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2

If we follow these four steps, we will position ourselves to hear from God – this is what I call a successful prayer life.

We have much to learn from King David, Psalm 5, and each other. I welcome your comments and insight, as I cannot possible touch on every angle in one lesson.

For further insight on Psalm 5:1-3, read the following: 1 Samuel 1: 1-18, Hebrews 4:15-16, Jeremiah 29:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Then go to the dictionary and refresh your understanding of the following words: Meditation; Groan; Supplication; listen; consider, and trust.  Reread Psalm 5 1-3

» left by Bart from Australia (4 years 18 days ago.)

Great article Teresa! I now have a renewed appreciation for prayer and how important it is in everyday life. I am so glad too that you made mention about how we shouldn't approach God with an arrogant, name it-claim it, attitude. We are speaking to the creator of the universe, the Almighty God. We should come before Him with a humble heart as His children. Thank you so much for sharing your insights in this wonderful Psalm.

 

Bart

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» left by Teresa^(1,352) (4 years 18 days ago.)

Hi Bart, thank you for sharing.  It used to be that approaching God with awe and humility went without saying. Sadly, that has been robbed and Scriptures twisted by these prosperity teachers that say God has to listen to us because we are his children and he wants us to have the best. It is our right etc...

I find in Scripture that God did not answer his children on several occasions. As James said, we ask amiss and we ask and do not have because we ask to spend it on our own pleasures. 

Blessings to you - I am looking forward to your next lesson.

Teresa

 

 

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» left by Dr Clarence Rucker, Jr from MI (4 years 1 day ago.)

That will do it Theresa.

 

To add:

 

I personally would always say, take heed you ask to pray for you or whom you pray with and for. You must know that which to pray for and how. I can pray for satan to be healed of his ways, but I will not pray for him to be blessed. Why? Some things belong to God (Dr Clarence Rucker, Jr 1944-)

 

 

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» left by Anonymous (4 years ago.)

Thank you Clarence.  We do need to be aware of whom we are asking to pray for us.  Though never ever, no not ever would I ever consider praying for Satan.

Blessings to you! Teresa

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» left by Anonymous (3 years 72 days ago.)

Great Article! I needed step by step directions, and this is it. I really desired to pray more but did not understand the relationship part of prayer. You broke it down that even a child could grasp this and implement this in their communing with the father. Please note: the time you took to write this was well spent because I will read this extensively until this becomes a part of my morning meditation. All I can say is, "Thanks For The Sacrifice Letting God Use You"

 

Wanda

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» left by Teresa Ortiz (3 years 72 days ago.)

Hello Wanda,

I am so happy and blessed to hear from you. Your words are encouraging. I pray you will continue to grow and learn what it means to have a prayer life.  I hope that you will look up the Sciptures I noted so that you can gain a better understanding.

Nevertheless, the simple truth is that because you desire to fellowship through prayer, God will meet with you on any level and you will grow from there.

It's been a while since I have read this article, thank you for leaving a comment because it brought me back and caused me to take a step back and realign my priorities during this busy season of my life.

Please come back and share again. Lord bless you always. Teresa

 

 

 

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» left by Anonymous (3 years 20 days ago.)

thank you so much.. ifeel so blessed after reading all these.GOD BLESS YOU!!!!

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» left by Teresa (3 years 14 days ago.)

You are welcome. Praise the Lord,  Keep growing in Jesus.

Come back again :-)  Lord bless you!

 

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» left by Mrs. Culmer from Bahamas (2 years 165 days ago.)

I came across this site just through googling. It's very simple, but yet very clear to understand. I just want to say thank you and continue to be encouraged and strengthen in the Lord!

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» left by Anonymous (2 years 105 days ago.)

Hello Mrs. Culmer.

 

I apologize for the delay in responding, this comment slipped by me. I am so glad it helped you. Lord bless you always!

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