2-15-06 Psalms 17:1

Psalms 17:1 (KJ21)
(A Prayer of David) Hear the right, O LORD; attend unto my cry! Give ear unto my prayer, which goeth not out of feigned lips.

Psalms 17:1 (NAS)
(A Prayer of David) Hear a just cause, O LORD, give heed to my cry; Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.

Psalms 17:1 (NIVUS)
(A prayer of David) Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips.

Psalms 17:1 (NLT)
(A prayer of David) O LORD, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from an honest heart.

Prayer is a universal institution. No matter what culture or what religion, prayer is a staple commodity. Many people pray when they are in trouble; others pray simply because they know they should. Very few of these prayers are made in faith and even fewer are spoken by people who really believe in God.

Israel's King David was a man who knew Adonai, His God, and he understood God's heart. He was well-beloved by the Lord. He considered the Almighty a friend that he could turn to for whatever he needed. He was not afraid to tell the Lord exactly how he felt, whether happy or sad, angry or peaceful. He even asked the Lord to pay attention to his cry.

Like David, you too can call upon Adonai in faith. You are a righteous man and can be assured that your prayers, supplications, and intercessions originate from a cleansed heart. You also can be assured that God will answer your prayers with His justice. Therefore, ask God to prick up His ears at your call. Shout to Him in your joy and triumph. Cry to Him in your sorrow and grief. However, do not let your lips speak deceitful or false words. Do not use treachery in your prayers, but always speak the truth. Then you can know that God will answer you speedily.