A Strange Place For Prayer

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Category: Fingerpost | Mar 1975

A cave, a prison, a riverside, are among the strange places mentioned

in Scripture where prayer meetings were held.

David was the man n the cave, and he invites us in to witness his utter loneliness and anguish, and to hear his cries and groans (Psa. 142). "Look... and see;" he exclaims, "...there is no man that knoweth me:... no man careth for my soul" (v 4). A cave is not the brightest, or the most inspiring place to be, but it does provide quietness and security. These benefits would be appreciated by David as he cast himself down before God, and cast the burden of his requests upon God. He was a man on the run, pursued like a partridge, and hunted as an animal, by the relentless envious, suspicious, Saul and his cohorts. In the safety of the darkened cave Israel's future king wrestles with his doubts and fears in the Presence of the all-seeing God of heaven. "I cry with my voice... I make supplication... I pour out my complaint... I shew before Him my trouble" (vi 2). Four things. This seems to be the only way to pray when burdened and troubled, and the spirit within is overwhelmed. Cry aloud audibly; plead earnestly; release everything from the mind and soul; hold nothing back from God. David, in his despair, drew a complete blank in human interest and care from others; and he found no refuge in himself. This caused him to turn to the Lord, as we all must do, and to say, "I cried unto thee, 0 LORD; I said, Thou art my refuge" (v.5). Having this reassurance, he pleads f or an answer from the heavenly throne; he asks God, "Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks unto Thy name" (6, 7).

We can learn much for our own personal prayer life from David, for he was a man like ourselves, knowing the hills and valleys of life's experiences. Lord, teach us to pray like Thyself, and as Moses, David, and Paul prayed, should be our constant request.

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Mar 1975
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