Psalm 20 A Prayer for a Loved One

Psalm 20 is considered a National Anthem of Israel. It was often sung when war was about to break out and King David was preparing to go join the fight. Though David wrote this Psalm, it is addressed “to the choirmaster” because Israel would sing it publicly on the king’s behalf. This Psalm was a means by which the nation could pray for their king as he was preparing for battle.

As citizens of the United States, we are blessed to have a form of government other than a monarchy. However, this prayer is still one that we could use to pray for our political leaders. For that matter, this is a great model of prayer for us to use as we intercede for anybody.

I have challenged the members of Fort Howard Community Church to be praying for a specific person each day this year. Today, you can use this Psalm as a guide for your intercessory prayer.

Please read Psalm 20 now.

I count seven specific requests in this Psalm. Please use them as a model as we intercede for our loved ones:

1. May God answer you (vv. 1, 9). Lord, may you hear the prayers of our loved ones. You are all-wise, and You know what is best in every situation. But Lord, please let them know that You hear them, and give them the answers that they seek.
2. May God “protect you” (v. 1). Lord, please keep them safe as they travel, as they hunt by themself, as they undergo that procedure, or as they go through that emotional turmoil.
3. May God “help” you (v. 2). God, they are hurting, and they need you. Please help them.
4. May God support you (v. 2). Lord, they can only do what You have called them to do in Your strength. Please give them the support they need.
5. May God remember all that you’ve done for Him (v. 3). Lord, thank you for saving them. We know it is not by works that they are saved, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, when I look at their life, I can see the fruit of the Spirit in so many of the good things that they have done. Thank you for what you have done through them!
6. May God grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans (v. 4, 5). God, You alone know if this decision that they have made is good. We ask that it is Your will that they get married, go to that college, accept that job opportunity, or join that church. We humbly submit to whatever Your will is, but we would ask that you bless our loved one with the desire of their heart.
7. May God save you (v. 5, 9). God, I know that Israel was probably praying for their king to be saved from the enemy armies, but my dear friend is under attack from the enemy right now. He has a spiritual enemy that has enslaved him to sin, and he doesn't acknowledge you as His Lord and Savior. Please God, save him. Help him to trust in You.

When we pray for our friends, we of course should intercede for their immediately pressing needs like health or financial crisis’, anxiety, mourning, protection, etc. But we must always keep in mind their most pressing need: salvation and a closer walk with the Lord. The people were not simply praying that God would save the king from harm in the battle, but they were also praying for his ternal salvation. That is why verses 6-8 interupt the petition for a moment of praise:

Praise God that he saves us!

Praise God that He answers us!

Praise God that He is trustworthy! Others may trust in their means of war, which will ultimately fail, but we trust in God

Even as we intercede for our friends and loved ones, we are still brought back to praise for the Lord Almighty. He is greater than all of our friends’ challenges. He is worthy to be praised!