Working at Prayer

But I give myself to prayer. (Psalm 109:4)

Charles Spurgeon wrote these words many years ago in his devotional "Morning and Evening":

Lying tongues were busy against the reputation of David, but he did not defend himself; he moved the case into a higher court and pleaded before the great King Himself. Prayer is the safest method of replying to words of hatred. The psalmist prayed in no coldhearted manner; he gave himself to the exercise—threw his whole soul and heart into it—straining every sinew and muscle, as Jacob did when wrestling with the angel.

A good reminder, that! When you need something from God, pray about it... not just a casual request, but pour yourself into it... give yourself to prayer. Work at it.

On another day, David would demonstrate his knowledge of the other side of the equation - when we pray, God hears and God answers. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. (Psalm 34:6).

Do you need something from God? Pray about it. And when you've done that, pray some more.