David's prayer
I Chronicles
Finally finished reading the book of I Chronicles this morning. The first 9 chapters are genealogies, which are boring but we read them because there are a few gems amidst all the names. In I Chronicles 4:10 there is the prayer of Jabez: ”If only You would extend my border; let Your hand be upon me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not experience pain.” And God granted his request.
After the genealogies there are some stories about the life of David, along with even more lists of people and places, and items for building the temple that David provided for his son Solomon so he could fulfill that work after David’s death. There are four chapters naming the Levites who will be caring for the temple and the sacrifices, and then another chapter listing the military commanders and their monthly rotations to serve. Then there is chapter 29 where David speaks again of the provisions for the temple.
And then David prays, and reading those words, I felt as though I have never really prayed.
May You be blessed, God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on the earth belongs to You. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor comes from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name… (I Chronicles 29:10b-13 CSB)
Lord, teach me to pray.