King David never lost a battle because He sought God’s advice before he stepped one foot on the battlefield. While other kings counted on the size of their army or some clever strategy, David sought God alone.
“Shall I go up? Will you deliver them into my hands?” was his prayer, and God said, “Go up, for without a doubt I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” At the next battle David asked, “Shall I go up?” and the Lord said, “No, you shall not go up, but you shall circle around behind them…for the Lord shall go out before you, to smite the army of the Philistines.” – (2 Samuel 5).
Prayer secures permission, strategy, and power in our life of faith – for ourselves and for others. Just as David’s men could go to war knowing the battle was already won, this is the same assurance given to us… “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Inside the Temple, in front of the veil that hid the Throne Room (Mercy Seat) of God, stood the golden altar of incense, where prayer would ascend with the costly and pure incense that spoke of Christ’s perfections and power. Knowing this, David prayed… “Lord, let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” – (Psalm 141:1,2,9,10).
The invitation to “come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” is our promise of victory (Hebrews 4:16). We can fulfill all the good pleasure of God’s will in our lives, and the work of faith with power, because we’ve begun our day with prayer… “in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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