(Tuesday, 10-30-07) Prayer 22 - David's Prayer at the People's Generosity

Read first:
1 Chronicles 29:10-20

Though David would not build a house for God, that did not stop him from planning it and preparing for it to be built by Solomon. Before his death, he gave a speech to the people describing how he had made provision for gold, sliver and the finest of materials so that a glorious house could be built for the Lord.

In that speech, he sought the help and support of the people for building the temple, and the people willingly offered their own contribution. The whole episode is a wonderful example of willing and cheerful giving.

With that background, David offered a prayer of thanks and praise.

What Can We Learn?
1. We should not think of David as bragging about what he was going to give to construct the temple. Instead we should see it as the purposeful and long-term planning to do something that was dear to his heart.
2. David’s gift of gold , silver, etc., was not a burden, but rather a source of joy for him.
3. It would be helpful to re-read David’s description of the gold and silver and get an idea about the sheer grandeur he had in mind for the house of God.
4. The question of 29:5 is significant. Literally, David’s question is: “Who is willing to ‘fill his hand’ to the Lord?”
5. In David’s mind, consecration and dedication involved the willing gift of both himself and his possessions to God.
6. David’s statement in 29:14 is also significant. There he acknowledges that all he and the people gave was but what God gave them first.

Questions to Ponder
1. This sounds like another time of great giving and sacrifice on the part of God’s people. See Ex. 36:1 -7. What are the similarities? The differences?
2. There are also similarities, at least in principle, to examples of giving in the New Testament. See Acts 2:43 & 4:32. Again, what are the similarities? The differences?
3. Perhaps the example of the churches in Macedonia (2 Cor. 8 – 9) are even closer with regard to the attitude of giving, yet there are also some significant differences. What can we learn from the Macedonian Christians?
4. Why did David pray for the “intent of the heart of Your people,” in 29:18?
5. Do you think this attitude of heart exists in today’s church? How do you think we might develop it?
6. Consider this statement: “Before people can truly thank God and appreciate his blessings, they must be able to give them back to God for His use.”