David’s Prayer

King David wanted to build a House for the Lord. The Ark of the Covenant was housed in a Tent, and David wanted a more dignified place for it. David discussed his thoughts with Nathan, the prophet, and Nathan affirmed David’s desire. However, during the night, the Lord spoke to Nathan and gave him a message for David. The next day, the prophet delivered the message. The message was so overwhelming that David went into the tent of the Lord and simply sat before the Lord (2 Samuel 7:18). David sat before the Lord as a recognition that God is God. Even before we hear the words of his prayer, we can see something of the impact the word of the Lord had on the king.

David’s prayer begins, “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” (2 Sam 7:18). The Lord had taken him from being a humble shepherd with his father’s sheep to being the king over his people. The Lord had been with him and had delivered him from his enemies. David’s response was: “Who am I that you should do all that for me?” This should always be our attitude of humility for what the Lord has done for us.

John Newton’s hymn is the most well-known in the world, and it begins in much the same way: “Amazing Grace!” Here are some of the words: “How sweet the sound,  That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found,  Was blind, but now I see.”

David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.” That was the start of it. But David thought that to be a small thing in comparison to what the Lord’s promise to him was now.

What the Lord had now “brought about” was to speak his promise. This involved “a great name” for David and a blessing for mankind. David’s knowledge was caused by the greatness of God’s act of revelation.” Nathan told David that the Lord would establish his house, and it would endure forever. David’s response was, “How great you are, Sovereign Lord!” David continued, “There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears” (2 Sam 7:22). David’s conclusion of who and what God had done was, “You are great, O Lord God.” 

David’s prayer was shaped by his praise. “Do as You Have promised” (2 Sam 7:25). This is what we pray when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, “Your will be done.” When we don’t know what to pray, pray “Your will be done” (Matt 6:10) — “Do as you have promised.”