"The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfill all thy counsel. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy petitions. Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call." (Psalm 20:1-9)

          Psalm 20 is written in very poetic style. This likely was a psalm that would be read prior to some battle. Prayers would be offered and sacrifices made to God before the battle. (1 Samuel 13:8-12) In 1 Samuel 13 we know that Saul did not please God by offering the sacrifice himself but the idea of offering sacrifice before battle was important. The request of Psalm 20 would be made to God both by the King and all the people. They requested the Lord to assist the king as he led the people into battle. This prayer is unusual in style in that those who are praying are actually speaking to the one they are praying for concerning their request to God. One of my favorite Bible passages is a prayer similar to this. It is a prayer, but the words are said to the person being prayed for, "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:24-26) Psalm 20 is a prayer that God will answer them, protect them help them, and support them in His name. This is likewise a great way to pray for fellow Christians today and to let them know of your love.  

          Petitions made to God -- Psalm 20:1-5: There were four sets of requests that were made to God. They were spoken to the people, but the requests were made to God. First, there was the prayer that God would listen to and help the king when he was in trouble. This request was made before the trouble came. They asked the Lord to be there for the king when he needed Him. They asked the God of Jacob to keep the king safe. It was the name of God that would protect the king in battle. Second, they asked that God would send help from His Temple. When the people left the Temple they did not want to go alone. They requested the presence of God to go with them and that His presence could especially be with the king. They requested that God would come out of Zion and strengthen the king when trouble came. The king would have God as his help and support. Third, they wanted God to remember the king's sacrifices and be pleased with them. These were sacrifices that were made before the battle. The request was that the offerings made by the king would be favorably remembered while the king was in battle. Fourth, they wanted God to grant what the king most wanted and to fulfill all his counsel. This was a way of asking God that the king's battle plan be right and successful. The second part of each request reinforces the first.

          David's prayer included a great statement of faith that this prayer would be answered. God would give salvation or victory. It was said to the king, "Then you will win victories, and we will celebrate, while raising our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all of your prayers!" Let us have strong faith that says "God will give us victory." We do well to remember that God must receive glory for every victory that we enjoy in life. When God blesses you always remember to thank him and praise Him. Never be like the nine lepers who where healed and just went on their way with no gratitude nor love for Jesus. (Luke 17:11-19) After the victory you should "Lift up your banners in the name of your God." The people promised that they would praise God and celebrate the victory that He had given.

          Trusting in God -- Psalm 20:6-8: David trusted in God to answer the prayers of the king. God answers prayers from His holy place in heaven. He would save and bless the king with the saving strength of His right hand. Trust in God was expressed in the thought, "Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, LORD God." Without God people will stumble and fall. Those who walk with God will be strong and stand firm. Several requests had been made to God to preserve the king, accept his sacrifices and give victory in battle. The king responds, "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand." (Psalms 20:6) The Lord delivers or gives victory in answer to the prayers of the obedient. Israel would trust in the name of the Lord in battle, while others would rely on military strength and their own personal might. The kings of Israel were not to depend on their military might for protection. The strength of the king was the strength of God and His name.

          A request for victory -- Psalm 20:9: The prayer was that God would give the king victory and answer the prayers of the people. The ones that trust in God are risen, and stand upright. We trust in God because His power cannot be overcome. God cannot be defeated. Trusting in the name of the Lord is confidence in a solid foundation. The king who bows down in worship and respect to God will stand tall in victory during battle. "Save Lord" is the substance of the entire Psalm. Those who serve God can know that He hears us, answers our prayers and delivers us in time of trouble. Serve God faithfully and the Lord will answer you in the day of trouble. The true King will answer when His people call. The psalm ends by looking to the Lord for victory. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)