How to praise, thank, and ask God (1 Chron 29.10-19, 20)

“Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might; and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.

And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name. ”But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.

I know, my God, that you search the heart, and take pleasure in uprightness; in the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to my son Solomon that with single mind he may keep your commandments, your decrees, and your statutes, performing all of them, and that he may build the temple for which I have made provision.“ Then David said to the whole assembly, ”Bless the LORD your God.“ And all the assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and bowed.

Most readers of the Bible know that David wanted to build the Temple, but God told him that it would be his son. But few realize how much work David did beforehand: buying and developing land, gathering materials, drawing the plans, raising money, and much more.

When the people gave generously, David responded in prayer. This prayer is a perfect model for how to praise, thank, and ask God.

Background

After the last prayer passage, which discussed the Temple musicians, the writer tells more about the organization of David’s government—the gatekeeper, officials, and the military. David then gathers all the leaders of society—thousands—and gives a speech. He tells them that God’s plans meant that David was the king who would fight and consolidate the nation of Israel. A king of turmoil and war. But Solomon would follow as a king of peace who would grow the kingdom and build the Temple. David urges them to remain faithful so that God would fulfill His promises.

God had commissioned Moses to care for the people, lead them to a promised land, and build a Tabernacle for God. God appointed David and Solomon to follow that same pattern. In his speech, David handed over the plans and money (and it is a lot!) to Solomon. He commissions the people to contribute funds in faithfulness. And they do—with overwhelming generosity.

Meaning

This prayer is well-structured, which makes it an excellent model for our own prayer. It blends a prayer of praise, thanksgiving, and petition in three parts: