Pray, Praise, Trust
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 26; Psalm 20 (NIV)
(Liu Yueh Mei, Chairperson, Information Systems)
READ:
Psalm 20 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
This is a psalm for King David, just before he goes into battle. It is a prayer from a group of people for their King.
Intercession (v1-4)
Verses 1 & 2 are a plea to God for a King entering a battle. They pray for the Lord to:
- answer the King when he is in distress
- protect the King
- send help from the Holy place
They interceded to God to remember and accept the sacrifices and offerings made, as burnt offerings were often made before a battle (v3).
They committed the King unto the Lord for the fulfilment of God’s plans (v4).
Claiming God’s victory (v5-6)
They claimed victory prior to the start of the battle, shouting for joy over the victory and lifting up banners in the name of God. (v5)
They affirmed that the Lord gives victory to His anointed, that is, the King (v6).
Trusting in the Lord (v7-8)
Verse 7 tells us that while some trust in chariots and horses (the modern day equivalent of military powers), they trusted in the power of the Lord, reminding us that God’s power is above human power and efforts.
God will bring down the enemy and raise up His people (v8).
APPLY:
This is a short yet powerful and practical prayer, especially in times of uncertainty. Although the prayer was in the context of a physical battle, which we may not be in, there are non-physical battles that we fight each day which make us anxious and nervous. Similarly, our leaders also face battles. Just as the people of Israel prayed for their king, let us remember to pray for our leaders in church, of our country and the world. Pray for the hand of God to be upon them, to strengthen them that they may do the right thing. In these uncertain times, let us render a prayer of Intercession to the Lord, having faith and claiming victory over every battle while remembering to trust in the Lord always.
DO:
I will intercede for the leaders in the church and Singapore. I will claim victory for these leaders who are anointed and appointed by God. Last but not least, I pray that they remain faithful and steadfast in the Lord as they continue to lead the church and the country.
PRAY:
Thank you God for your grace and mercy. Thank you for appointing and anointing the leaders we have in church and in Singapore. I lift them up to you and ask for you to keep watch over them each day. Answer them when they are in distress, protect them, send your help from Heaven and give them your support. May you find their sacrifice and offerings acceptable and pleasing to you. I shout for joy and claim your victory over every battle and every uncertainty surrounding us. I give you thanks and remember that you, and not anyone else, are the one we need and trust. You are the one to bring victory. Thank you Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
