“O Lord God of Hosts, Hear My Prayer!”

by Mitchell Tan
August 19, 2021

HOW LOVELY IS YOUR TABERNACLE!

The sons of Korah had a special love for the house of God. They recognised Him as the Lord of hosts, the commander of the heavenly armies. While He sits on His throne in heaven, His presence was also at the temple in Jerusalem. The sons of Korah had a deep sense of love for God and an affinity for His house (Psalm 84:1-2). Their hearts yearned to be with Him in His house.

SEEKING TO PRAY TO THE LORD GOD OF HOSTS IN HIS HOUSE

“O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob!
O God …”
Psalm 84:8-9

At the dedication of the temple, the Lord appeared to King Solomon after he prayed to Him. And He declared that when His people, who are called by His name, humble themselves and pray and seek His face, He will hear from heaven (2 Chronicles 7:14-15). The Lord’s eyes will be opened to behold them and His ears will be attentive to their prayers made in His house. This was indeed a wonderful assurance from the Lord God. The temple was a place where they would pray to God and He would hear their prayers. The sons of Korah sought to bring their prayers to Him in His house.

1. THE FEATURES OF PRAYER

A. PRAYING WITH A DEEPER KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

The name “God” is mentioned three times in their prayer. Firstly, they saw the Lord God of hosts as One who would hear their prayers. In this instance, the Psalmist included “God” in His title Lord of hosts. This was to emphasise that He is both the commander of the heavenly hosts and He is also a living God to them. Secondly, the Lord is also the God of Jacob. Whenever the name “Jacob” is used, it often refers to the sinful part of Israel. The original Jacob was a man who lied and cheated before he had faith in God and yet the Lord was most merciful to him. Israel was a nation that was also sinful and yet the Lord was very gracious to them. The psalmists applied these truths in prayer.

B. PRAYING WITH A SPIRIT OF HUMILITY

The sons of Korah did not make any claims before this God in prayer. They humbly asked the Lord God of hosts to hear their prayers. They pleaded for the Lord to heed their prayers. They did not take for granted that God would hear. They recognised who God was before them and they appropriately prayed with a spirit of humility.

2. THE CONTENT OF PRAYER

“O God, behold our shield,
And look upon the face of your anointed.”
Psalm 84:9

A. PRAYING FOR GOD’S PROTECTION

The sons of Korah prayed for the Lord God to look upon the shields of the armies of Israel. They were praying for His favour on their defences. The Lord God of hosts and His angels would be there to specially protect the nation in challenging times.

B. PRAYING FOR GOD’S FAVOUR ON LEADERS

The “anointed” is a reference to the anointed king of the nation of Israel. This was a prayer for the leadership of the nation. The Lord’s favour would fall on them that they may lead Israel well.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

We resume our Youth Worship Services this Saturday. It is our joy to return to the Lord’s house to worship Him and to listen to His word. As we do this, let’s take time to pray with a deeper personal knowledge who the Lord God is. He is the supreme commander of the heavenly hosts. He is also a God who is gracious and merciful to us. We are to pray humbly for the Lord’s protection and blessing on our nation and leaders. We are not to take anything for granted. Especially in this Covid 19 pandemic, let’s continue to intercede for the safety of Singapore and especially Bethany. Let’s humbly plead for His protection and favour upon all of us that we may continue to worship Him in His house.

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