S) "2 Hear my prayer, O God;
Give ear to the words of my mouth."
Psalm 54:2 (NASB)
O) David was on the run from Saul, when the Ziphites betrayed his location to the king who sought his life. That is the framework for this entire psalm, when David was seeking God for deliverance. As he was singing this prayer, David noted the fact that he was audible. He asks God to hear him. Then, as if to clarify this was not some kind of metaphorical "hearing," David refers to the words of his mouth (as opposed to the words of his mind or of his heart). In his great need, he would not let anything hold him back from seeking his God fully, without hindrance. Although God looks at the heart, and although God knows all things, David still spoke his prayer aloud, and sang with his mouth.
A) There are some principles found in Scripture that aren't explained much. One of them, is the value and importance of speaking prayers aloud. For myself, there is a practical benefit, in that it helps me to focus on what and why I'm praying. But, there seems to be some kind of spiritual value, as we are shown example after example of people praying aloud. It's not always the case, but it does appear frequently. The same is true for singing aloud, when worshiping God in song. Sure, I could sing from my heart without ever making noise (and a mute person could certainly worship and praise God). But, as long as there is breath in my lungs, and I have the capacity to do it, I should speak my prayers and sing my praises to my King.
P) Father, in every way, You deserve my sacrifice. If speaking my prayers out loud is uncomfortable or inconvenient, You are still worth that discomfort and priority. If singing worship to You, and praising You aloud seems embarrassing or undignified, then You deserve my dignity and my respect - that is any respect I might have, truly belongs to You. I never want to be in a position, that I am holding anything back from You, Lord. I want You to be honored in my prayers, spoken or sung. Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth. Let Your will be done in my life, with my family and loved ones. Let Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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