Public Prayer: David
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Topical Encyclopedia
David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible known for his deep relationship with God, which is often expressed through prayer. His life and reign are chronicled in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles, with many of his prayers and songs recorded in the Book of Psalms. David's public prayers reveal his heart for God, his leadership, and his role as a spiritual guide for the nation of Israel.

David's Public Prayers in Times of Celebration

One of the most notable instances of David's public prayer is during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. In 1 Chronicles 16, after the Ark is placed in the tent David had pitched for it, he offers a public prayer of thanksgiving. This prayer, which is a compilation of several psalms, begins with a call to "Give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations" (1 Chronicles 16:8). David's prayer emphasizes God's faithfulness, His covenant with Israel, and the call for all nations to worship the LORD.

David's Public Prayers in Times of Distress

David also turned to public prayer in times of national crisis. In 2 Samuel 7, after receiving the promise of an everlasting dynasty from God through the prophet Nathan, David offers a prayer of gratitude and humility. He acknowledges God's greatness and the honor bestowed upon his house, saying, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?" (2 Samuel 7:18). This prayer reflects David's recognition of God's sovereignty and his own dependence on divine grace.

David's Role as a Spiritual Leader

As king, David's public prayers served not only as personal expressions of faith but also as a means to lead the people in worship. His establishment of organized worship, including the appointment of Levites to minister before the Ark, highlights his commitment to fostering a national identity centered on the worship of Yahweh. In 1 Chronicles 29, as David prepares for the construction of the Temple, he leads the assembly in a prayer of praise and dedication, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty: "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth is Yours" (1 Chronicles 29:11).

David's Legacy of Prayer

David's public prayers have left a lasting legacy, providing a model for worship and devotion. His psalms continue to be used in both personal and corporate worship settings, reflecting a range of human emotions and experiences while consistently pointing to the character and works of God. Through his public prayers, David exemplifies a life of faith that seeks to honor God in all circumstances, whether in times of triumph or trial.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Chronicles 29:10-19
Why David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be you, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm 65:1. 1-5. First Part. LM Public Prayer and Praise.
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 65:1. 1-5. First Part. LM Public prayer
and praise. 1 The praise of Sion waits for thee, My ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 65 1 0 1-5 first part.htm

The Psalms of David
... Psalm 35:2. 12-14. Second Part. Love to enemies; or, The love of Christ to sinners
typified in David. ... Psalm 65:1. 1-5. First Part. LM Public prayer and praise. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/

Psalm 65 Part 1 Public Prayer and Praise.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 65 PART 1 Public prayer and praise. v.1-5 LM. Public
prayer and praise. PAUSE. The praise of Zion waits for thee,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 65 part 1 public.htm

The Secret Burden
... the best and the most blessed part of both public and private prayer. ... You cannot
tell in public"even to them that fear God ... Even David himself could not do it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xxii the secret burden.htm

Prayer
... Numbers 6:23. (6) Public prayer, when we pray in the audience of others. ... I give
myself,' says David, to prayer.' Pray for pardon and purity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 6 prayer.htm

Of Prayer
... Examples. Daniel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Baruch. 9. Advantage of thus suppressing
pride. ... Secret prayer. Prayer at all places. Private and public prayer. 30. ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/of prayer.htm

David's Gratitude
... The decencies of public worship may require a posture which expresses devotion ... in
this verse, of what runs through the whole prayer,"David's avoidance of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/davids gratitude.htm

Excursus on the Choir Offices of the Early Church.
... that is to say the recitation of the Psalms of David, with lessons ... persecution would
not allow the Apostolic custom of daily morning and evening public prayer. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the choir offices.htm

David's Dying Prayer
... this great, this wonderful thing for which David prayed. ... First, you cannot pray this
prayer unless you seek in ... we should need many of our public buildings to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/davids dying prayer.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Examples. Daniel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Baruch. 9. Advantage of thus suppressing
pride. ... Secret prayer. Prayer at all places. Private and public prayer. 30. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Resources
What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.org

What is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Is there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
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Prayers

Prayers of Christ

Prayers of the Unrighteous

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Public Prayer: Christ: Sanctifies by his Presence
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