In the
midst of his troubles, David is evoking the prayer over himself that
God told Moses to pray over the children of Israel. If you don't know
how to pray, or even if you do, praying the prayers of the Bible over
yourself and others is a good thing. The prayer is known as the
Aaronic blessing and is as follows:
The LORD
bless you and keep you;
The LORD
make His face shine upon you,
And be
gracious to you;
The LORD
lift up His countenance upon you,
And give
you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
David's
prayer is not rote repetition of the Aaronic blessing, rather he
prays into its meaning. He tells the Lord “I am repulsive to my
acquaintances” (verse 11). People are giving him dark looks, and
he longs for the smile of favour and approval from his God. He
knows that when the Lord “lifts up His countenance upon him,” it
will bring him shalom (peace). The dictionary defines countenance and
a calm facial expression with composure, approval, favour,
encouragement and moral support.
As
indicated, the word translated peace is the Hebrew word
shalom. Shalom is much more than absence of hostilities, and though
it includes that, we can have shalom even in the midst of war.
Shalom peace includes the ideas of completeness, safety, soundness,
in body, welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquillity and
contentment. Paul could say “ I have learned in whatever state I
am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). The Lord has promised that
He will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are fixed steadfastly
on Him (Isaiah 26:3).
Father You promised
that when we pray the Aaronic blessing over people (including
ourselves) You will bless them (us) (Numbers
6:27). You tell us Lord to bless those who curse us and to pray for
out enemies. So we pray this prayer, this morning over ourselves and
those who trouble us. And we will give You the glory in Jesus Name
Amen
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