"A Prayer for the King" 10/28/25

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Listen to the song of David.

Psalm 61:1-8 (ESV)

[1] Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; [2] from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, [3] for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. [4] Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah [5] For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. [6] Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! [7] May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him! [8] So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day. 

Here is a cry to the God who is bigger than us, a prayer for refuge to the God who is a strong tower. Along with David's prayer for protection, for safe-keeping, he prays for "the life of the king" (v6). 

Naturally, one wonders "which king?"

• Is David praying for himself? 

• Is this intended to be a prayer for all the kings of Israel? 

• Is this a prayer for the life of another much greater King than David and his other sons? 

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Remember, brothers, that David knew the promise of God that from his lineage would come the King of kings, an everlasting King with an everlasting kingdom that would stretch across all the earth. You can read about God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:1-29.

So he prayed for the establishment of the promised king "May he be enthroned forever before God" (v7). David didn't pray "may I," but "may he." He knew He was not the King and he lived his life with the desire that the Savior would come. This hope permeates the whole Psalter, inviting us to worship this King who has come and is coming again.

Let us also live with this desire and prayer as we seek the Lord to be our refuge in a world of troubles, Amen.

Grace & Peace, 

Matt