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Psalm 17:1-5  
A prayer of David.

Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed. Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

David’s prayer is urgent. It begins with a threefold request. Lord, hear me, “my plea is just.” Lord, “listen to my cry.” Lord, “hear my prayer.” Danger seems to be pressing in hard on David. He needs God’s help…and fast.

David reminds God that this request is not coming from a person who is hypocritical or unrighteous. He invites God to probe, examine, and test his heart. He is confident that God will find no evil plans or sinful words. He has refrained from taking bribes. He has followed God’s commands and stayed put on God’s path. David is not trying to bargain with God. He is not saying, “God you owe me!” He is simply saying, “God I am living by Your grace and now I need some extra grace.”

Can you relate to David? Are you in a tight spot? Do you feel like time is running out? Is your prayer urgent? Learn from David. Tell God that you are on His side. Thank Him for His work in your life and let Him know that for you to keep going, you’re going to need His intervention. God is good at being God. He hears, He comes, and He works in our lives.

Father, like David, my prayer is urgent. I am willing to wait on Your timing, but the reality is…there isn’t much time. Danger (name the danger) is pressing in on me hard.  I am on Your side. I am Your child. Please listen to me and hear my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.