In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. – Psalm 109:4

Today's Scripture Reading (July 21, 2022): Psalm 109

Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) once asked an important question; "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" Is prayer part of how you live your life, or do you keep it in the trunk of your life, ready to be pulled out during times of emergency? If most of us are honest, our response is likely the latter. Prayer is important to us during the rough times of life, but other than the ritual prayers that we pray regularly, during the good times, prayer is a forgotten tool in our toolbelt. Our prayers should be important to us, regardless of what is happening around us. In good times and bad, prayer should be our first "go-to."

David knows that even those around him who might have been his friends are accusing him. They have returned malice for friendship. But David says that his response is prayer. James Montgomery Boice offers this insight on David's comment.

"The Hebrew is more abrupt and therefore even stronger. It says literally, 'But I prayer.' That is, 'I am all prayer or characterized by prayer. While my enemies are uttering false words about me to other people, trying to do me harm, I am speaking to God. I am praying to God always.'" (James Montgomery Boice)

It is a theme that Paul would later stress with his friends in Thessalonica. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Prayer never belongs in our life's trunk, ready to be used in an emergency. Prayer should be the steering wheel that guides us through life. Charles Spurgeon adds this thought.

He did nothing else but pray. He became prayer as they became malice. This was his answer to his enemies, he appealed from men and their injustice, to the Judge of all the earth, who must do right. True bravery alone can teach a man to leave his traducers (slanderers) unanswered, and carry the case unto the Lord (Charles Spurgeon).

Can we do the same? Can we become not just a people of prayer but prayer itself? Can we leave those who would accuse us behind and respond with just our words directed at our God? It was precisely what David was trying to learn to do and a worthy aim for all who wish to follow God into whatever our futures might hold.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Psalm 110