by Jonathan Banning
In Psalm 7, David makes a shocking petition to God. “O LORD my God, if I have done this, if there is injustice in my hands… let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it; and let him trample my life down to the ground and lay my glory in the dust” (7:3-5).
That’s the plea of someone with a clean conscience. Only a man who knew he was innocent would pray such a bold prayer. Some prayers are so straightforward and honest that they can only be prayed by a heart that’s right in the sight of God. Maybe there’s something we can learn from the prayers we aren’t willing to pray. For instance, are you willing to pray…
“Examine me, O Lord” (Psa 26:2). David is inviting spiritual inspection, confessing he has nothing to hide. Do you know who gets worried about tests? Those who aren’t prepared. What about you? Can you invite the Lord to examine your life, even looking forward to the test because you know you’re prepared?
“Make me know your ways, O Lord” (Psa 25:4). David wants the truth, no matter what it may require of him. Sometimes we think ignorance is bliss. Sometimes, when we’re guilty, we’d rather not know. What about you? Do you want to know what you need to fix, how you can grow, what to improve, whatever the cost?
“Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev 22:20). This prayer lays my heart bare. It’s the ultimate tool in determining whether my conscience is clean. What about you? Is your heart right with God? Are you ready, even anxious for the Lord to come right now?
Can you pray those prayers with a conscience cleansed by the blood of Jesus? If not, why not do something about it today?