Prayer is a language to our God based on our expectations, experiences, and exaltation.  Christ is not all you need until He is all you have, but when He is all you have, He is all you need.  David was a man “after God’s own heart.”  He knew what it was to pray.  His prayers were based upon the three categories previously mentioned.  Look at Psalm 3 as we consider the examples of David’s prayer life.

   David had a son, Absalom, who was constantly in the midst of controversy.  He desired power, prestige and prosperity.  He wanted recognition from everyone, and for the greater part, he received it.  He also wanted his father’s throne and devised plans to take it.  He began by enlisting young men into his army with the desired result to wrest the kingdom from his father.  David literally had to flee from his own son because he feared for his life.  Psalm 3 is actually taken from David’s problems with Absalom.  Notice how he includes the three categories within his prayer to God.  Analyze your own prayer life in relation to what David is saying:

  EXPECTATION  (I need You). “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about” (Psalm 3:6).  David realized he needed God in his life more than he needed anything or anyone.  Sure, he feared for his life, and at this time, he was an old man.  But, he was not ready to relinquish the kingdom to his son.  He still had much to do, but he could not do it without God’s presence in his life.  Folks, please understand, you need God in your life.  You must expect Him to empower you, to provide for you, and to protect you.  Do you tell God that you need Him?

  EXPERIENCE (I’ve got trouble).  “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah” (Psalm 3:2).  David realized that people were numbering his days and believing that even God Himself could not help him now.  David’s trouble was great and frightening—it was real.  Do you ever tell God your troubles; those that seem unbearable to you?  Troubles are plentiful for each of us.  These are some of the experiences of life.

  EXALTATION (You are the only Savior).  “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD:  thy blessing is upon thy people.  Selah” (Psalm 3:8).  David knew that if he was going to be delivered out of the hands of Absalom, then his God would have to intercede.  There was no one else he could turn to.  Isn’t that exactly how we are?  Our God is the only One that we can trust to save us.  When you truly need and desire salvation, God is the only Savior.  When our troubles are bigger than we are, remember, no trouble is bigger than our God.

   Christian, as you analyze your prayer life, consider the thoughts of David in Psalm 3.  Do you trust in God in the way He is to be trusted?  How is your prayer life?