David's Week of Prayer

      Scandal had entered the palace. David, the king of Israel, had committed adultery with the wife of Uriah. Despite David’s attempt to cover it up, the story was revealed by Nathan, God’s prophet.

      Face to face with his guilt, David repented. Nathan said, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die” (II Samuel 12:14).

      In the verses that follow, God struck the child with sickness. For seven days, David fasted and prayed. But the child died. At that point, David ceased his prayers and returned to normal life.

      When the servants registered their shock, David explained, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (II Samuel 12:22-23).

      David’s week of prayer presents some phenomenal lessons for us.

      First, we are allowed to ask for our desires. David had heard why the child must die—God must be glorified. If David committed such a sin and there were no consequences, the nations would blaspheme. But David wanted the child to live—wouldn’t you? He did the only thing he could do; he prayed. But we must remember, as David did, our prayers have not earned us anything. If God grants our request, it is grace.

      Second, faith in God and in prayer does not necessarily mean believing God will say, “Yes.” This is the man whose faith conquered Goliath. Yet, his attitude in prayer was, “I do not know what God will do or allow, but I will petition Him.”

      Third, we should persist in our prayers. Is there any issue important enough that we would pray constantly for a week? If such an issue existed, could we pray constantly for a week? After the first day of prayer, David did not stop assuming God’s answer must be, “No.” He persisted.

      Fourth, we should persist until absolutely certain God has said, “No.” David kept praying until the child died. Up to that point, David believed his pleading might bring about God’s mercy. But when the child died, he knew God’s action had been taken. He ceased his prayer.

      Fifth, we must accept God’s answers. David did not get mad at God and abandon Him. David understood God’s will and he wanted God to be glorified. While God denied David’s request, David continued to serve and honor God. No wonder God could say David was a man after His own heart.

      Let us follow David’s example, submitting to God through prayer.

Edwin L. Crozier