PSALM 20, VERSE BY VERSE:

Today the Psalm reaches its end, its goal!

Having “prayed” for eight verses, the writer longs, desires:

“Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.”  Psalm 20:9

The whole thing has been prayed for the “king?”

It’s almost like this last verse re-states the entire supplication!

But, is this King David?

If so, praying for one’s leader (nationally) isn’t a bad idea! Paul encourages us to do so in 1st Timothy 2:1-3. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”

But maybe the Psalm has encouraged us to pray for “anyone” who is in “authority” over our lives! For our “king” in that sense! A student for his or her teacher, for example. A wife for her husband. A man for his employer. An athlete for his coach. A church member for his or her pastor.

Then perhaps, and I lean this way, we are being taught to pray for the only real King, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Praying for our Intercessor!

If so, the prayers could be worded as follows:

Heavenly Father, save and deliver and protect me.

I call on Thee in prayer.

Let the King (Jesus Thy Son) hear me as I do.

And through His Name … grant my request I ask.

Amen.

Yes, that’s the idea.

In our dear old King James Bible once again:

“Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.”  Psalm 20:9

Praise the Lord!

Now, having suggested these different avenues of approach to Psalm 20 … anyone who has read these comments (a lesson for each verse) should be able to enhance his or her prayer life.

May God grant it to be so.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell