Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: David

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Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. King David, a central figure in the Old Testament, exemplifies this practice through his prayers for the people of Israel, his family, and even his enemies. David's intercessory prayers reveal his deep relationship with God and his role as a leader who sought divine intervention for the well-being of others.

David's Role as an Intercessor

David, the second king of Israel, is often remembered for his heart after God (1 Samuel 13:14). His life, as recorded in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, provides numerous instances where he engaged in intercessory prayer. As a shepherd, warrior, and king, David consistently turned to God in prayer, seeking guidance, forgiveness, and blessings for those under his care.

Prayers for the Nation

One of the most notable examples of David's intercessory prayer is found in 2 Samuel 24. After David sinned by conducting a census of Israel, God sent a plague upon the nation as a consequence. David, recognizing his transgression, interceded for the people, saying, "I have sinned; I, the shepherd, have done wrong. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let Your hand be against me and my father’s house" (2 Samuel 24:17). David's plea demonstrates his willingness to bear the consequences of his actions to spare the people from suffering.

Prayers for His Family

David's intercessory prayers also extended to his family. In 2 Samuel 12, after his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent death of their child, David fasted and prayed earnestly for the child's life. Although the child ultimately died, David's actions reveal his deep concern and love for his family, as well as his reliance on God's mercy and justice.

Prayers for His Enemies

David's intercessory prayers were not limited to those he loved; he also prayed for his enemies. In Psalm 35, David calls upon God to contend with those who contend with him, yet he also expresses a desire for their well-being, saying, "But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer returned to me unanswered" (Psalm 35:13). This attitude reflects David's understanding of God's justice and his hope for reconciliation and peace.

David's Legacy of Intercession

David's life and prayers have left a lasting legacy of intercessory prayer within the Judeo-Christian tradition. His psalms, many of which include prayers for others, continue to inspire believers to seek God's intervention in the lives of those around them. David's example encourages Christians to approach God with humility, sincerity, and a heart aligned with His will, trusting in His power to bring about change and healing.

In summary, David's intercessory prayers are a testament to his faith and leadership. Through his prayers for the nation, his family, and even his adversaries, David exemplifies the power and importance of interceding for others, a practice that remains vital in the life of believers today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 25:22
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Psalmist --Setting the Lord
... that "No man hath seen God at any time": no, not Moses: no, not David. ... To have seen
and heard His intercessory prayer with His eyes lifted up to Heaven after ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/viii the psalmistsetting the lord.htm

The Secret Burden
... That was what David did. ... Weep no more." And He will wipe all tears from your eyes.
And the very same thing holds true of all intercessory prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xxii the secret burden.htm

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... They impressively bring out the intercessory feature of prayer and disclose ... is known
as the "Psalms of David," that David was the ... It is a prayer worth studying ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

The Moody Colportage Library
... George Muller 105 The Way Home. DL Moody 109 Life of David Livingstone. ... Evans
130 Intercessory Prayer. JGK McClure 131 From Death Unto Life. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/the moody colportage library.htm

One of Paul's Prayers
... Look at David, as he prevents now the dawning of the day ... then, look at Paul, as great
in prayer as he ... Our Lord's Intercessory Prayer is above us: it is beyond us ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... the Brethren, "to love." "From that time onward," said David Nitschmann, "Herrnhut ...
this new temple of the Lord the incense of intercessory prayer should rise ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... 12; 8:16-18); personal (1:Sam.15:11, 35; 16:1). In Jeremiah (15:1) Moses and Samuel
are represented as offering intercessory prayer for Israel. David seems to ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... 3. We find David at this juncture inspired, as "the sweet singer of Israel," to
supply the Psalter, which in divers arrangements ... The great Intercessory Prayer. ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

The Costliness of Prayer
... Take Paul's intercessory prayers for the Ephesians and the Colossians ... Bibles these
well-known words of David: "If I ... He hath attended to the voice of my prayer. ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xvi the costliness of prayer.htm

Prayer and Desire
... shut up to the Name, merit and intercessory virtue of ... the issue of whether our
petitioning be prating or prayer. ... David did not yearn for everything; nor did he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/iv prayer and desire.htm