David’s Victory Hymn, part 1: The LORD as My Rock and Deliverer (2 Samuel 22.2–51)
Dr. Mark McDowell explores this prayer by David, a celebration of victory. How can we se this prayer as a model for our own prayers?
Choosing the Right Type of Prayer for the Situation (2 Sam 21.1)
The story of David inquiring of God during a three-year drought in his reign (1 Samuel 21.1) highlights the importance of understanding the type of prayer to offer in different situations. Rather than just asking for relief from suffering or strength to endure it, the story encourages believers to also consider inquiring of God about the reasons behind their suffering. This approach can lead to a more rich prayer life.
Prayer as a Revolutionary Act (2 Sam 18.28)
Today’s study is from Second Samuel—a prayer that is quite bold, even revolutionary. Can we pray such prayers? What does it mean to be truly revolutionary in prayer, and not just a contrarian? Follow Dr. Mark McDowell as he explores this prayer and how we can use it as a model for our own prayers.
Praying in Times of Injustice or Betrayal (2 Sam 15.31)
Join Dr. Mark McDowell explores this curse prayer by David. What is a curse prayer, and should we ever use this type of prayer from the Bible? Dr. McDowell includes background to the prayer text, an exploration of its meaning, and a practical application.
Do You Take Prayer for Granted? (2 Sam 14.17)
Prayer is a great gift. We get to speak to the creator and sustainer of the universe. Yet because it’s so easy, is it possible that we might take it for granted? Or we might even misuse it? Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he explores the subject through this prayer in Second Samuel 14.
How to use the different types of prayer in one prayer (2 Sam 7.19–29)
The purpose of the Praying Through the Bible project is to enrich our prayer lives by the nine different types of prayers. Each can be used on their own, this passage from second Samuel shows us how a prayer can combine the different types. Dr. Mark McDowell as he examines this prayer and how we can use it in our own prayers.
Proper and Improper Ways of Asking God for Something (2 Sam 5.19, 23)
In the Old Testament, followers of God often are said to “inquire” of God. These prayers are asking for direction. But there are good and bad ways of offering such prayers. Dr. Mark McDowell explorers these issues with this prayer from 2 Samuel 5.
Should You Pray Curse-Prayers? (2 Sam 3.29, 36, 29)
David’s acceptance of Abner’s covenant, aimed at uniting Israel, was disrupted when Joab killed Abner, threatening the unification. David, distancing himself from the murder, pronounced an extensive curse on Joab’s house and held mourning rites for Abner, stating that a great man was lost. These events showcase curse-prayers in response to betrayal, challenging modern interpretations of prayer that emphasize forgiveness over cursing.
Let Your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and Your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ (2 Sam 3.9)
Curse-prayers are not frequent in the Bible, but there are many examples. What are they, and should they still be offered today? Join Dr. Mark McDowell as he explores this curse prayer in Second Samuel
How to Avoid Self-Serving Prayers (2 Sam 2.5–6)
What does a self-serving prayer look like? Is this one of of those prayers by king David of Israel? Join Dr. McDowell as he explores this prayer from second Samuel.