2 Samuel 12:16 and 20 – David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground … Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshipped.

Oh God, I long for a faith like David’s. I long for a heart like his. I can see his struggles and his sins. They are as plain as daylight. But when he is confronted with his sin, he doesn’t hem and haw about it nor does he push back. David simply and clearly confesses his sin; and you, God, do what you always do – and what I can always expect you to do – you forgave the guilt of his sin. And when David is confronted with the consequences of his sin, he first prays with all seriousness and boldness – even though you had already declared that this would happen – that you would change your mind. And then, when you did it, when your decision was final, David rose up and with humble acceptance he worshipped you. Lord God, you are 100% merciful, gracious, powerful and wise. And you tell me that my prayers are effective, that they make a difference! Teach me to pray with boldness, confidence, even faith-filled beligerance. Teach me to pray without giving up. Teach me to beg and cry out to you because you want me to, because you invite me to, because my prayers matter to you and they are powerful. Teach me to pray with 100% boldness. And then, when it becomes clear what your decision and your action is, teach me to rise up from my prayers with humble acceptance and joyful worship. Teach me to accept your action knowing that you are working all things for the eternal good of all people everywhere. You know what you’re doing! And what you’re doing is good. So teach me to end my prayers and live my life in humble worship, adoration and praise for all that you do. Amen.