Scripture
Psalm 20:1-3
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice.
Psalm 20:4-6
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.
We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.
Thought for Today
Would an inspiring prayer encourage you today as you (or someone you know) prepare for a battle you are facing? Psalm 20 is one of many earnest entreaties in the bible that speaks to the heart of those seeking the Lord God for answers and victory in troubled times.
In this prayer, David and the congregation gathered in God’s presence in the sanctuary just before battle. David prayed for their deliverance from trouble. He asked for heavenly defense against their enemies, while still acknowledging the need for atonement of their sins. David recognized that God knew the desires and plans of the king’s heart concerning the fight ahead. He requested they be granted.
Confident that God heard and would answer, the psalmist then exclaimed words of rejoicing and celebration-even before the actual battle began! He declared that the Lord answers His anointed with saving strength. Later, he confirmed that God is the source of all victories, not human armies or weapons.
It was not unusual for ancient Israel to seek God in prayer before a contest. The nation as a whole considered entering the battlefield a deeply spiritual experience. For example, David made this abundantly clear as he stood before Goliath. He declared without a doubt that he came ready to fight in the name of the Lord. Therefore, he said, not only would he decapitate the giant Philistine, there would be nothing left of the Philistine camp but carcasses upon which the birds would feast (1 Samuel 17).
Psalm 20 is a model of petition, humility, faith, praise, and worship in prayer. The words were spoken to God in supplication for the individuals in the sanctuary as well as for the nation of Israel. Like David, you can be assured that you are His anointed whom He loves, protects, and saves. Do not worry about the size or manner of conflict in front of you. Face your battle ready to fight in the name of the Lord. Your victory is His victory!
May the King answer us when we call.” Psalm 20:7-9
Time to Pray
Lord God, we trust You to go before us in every encounter, large or small. Thank you for the victories you’ve given on our behalf. We praise you for those that lay ahead which You already seen and conquered. Hallelujah in the name of Jesus. Amen
