Topical Bible: Parents: Prayers on Behalf of Children of David

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In the biblical narrative, King David is a central figure whose life and reign are marked by profound personal and spiritual experiences, including his role as a parent. The prayers of David on behalf of his children provide insight into his heart as a father and his reliance on God for their well-being and guidance.

David's Prayer for Solomon

One of the most notable prayers of David for his children is found in his preparation for Solomon's reign. As David's life drew to a close, he earnestly sought God's favor and wisdom for Solomon, who was to succeed him as king. In 1 Chronicles 29:19, David prays, "And give my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies, and Your statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the temple for which I have made provision." This prayer reflects David's deep desire for Solomon to walk faithfully with God and to fulfill the divine purpose for his life, particularly in the building of the temple.

David's Lament and Prayer for Absalom

David's relationship with his son Absalom is a poignant example of a father's anguish and intercession. Despite Absalom's rebellion, David's love for him remained steadfast. In 2 Samuel 18:33, David's grief is palpable as he mourns Absalom's death: "The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. As he went, he cried out, 'O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!'" This lament is a powerful expression of a father's heart, revealing David's deep sorrow and his implicit prayers for Absalom's redemption and safety, even in the face of betrayal.

David's Prayer for His Household

David's prayers extended beyond individual children to encompass his entire household. In 2 Samuel 7:29, David prays for God's blessing upon his family: "Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with Your blessing, the house of Your servant will be blessed forever." This prayer underscores David's understanding of the covenantal promises of God and his desire for his lineage to remain under divine favor and protection.

David's Heart for His Children

Throughout the Psalms, David's prayers often reflect his concern for his children and their spiritual legacy. In Psalm 72, traditionally attributed to Solomon but reflecting Davidic themes, there is a prayer for the king's son, asking for justice, righteousness, and prosperity. This psalm encapsulates the hopes and prayers of a father for his child's success and alignment with God's will.

David's prayers for his children reveal a man deeply committed to their spiritual and temporal welfare. His intercessions are characterized by a reliance on God's promises, a desire for his children to walk in righteousness, and a heartfelt plea for their protection and blessing. Through these prayers, David exemplifies the role of a parent who seeks divine guidance and intervention on behalf of his offspring, trusting in God's sovereign plan for their lives.

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2 Samuel 7:25-29
And now, O LORD God, the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as you have said.
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1 Chronicles 17:16-27
And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me till now?
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2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore sought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the earth.
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1 Chronicles 22:12
Only the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.
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1 Chronicles 29:19
And give to Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
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Library

Psalm CXXXII.
... The parents establish a desert on behalf of their ... promised in relation to their parents'
deservings? ... God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm

The History of Joseph the Carpenter.
... For her parents offered her in the temple when she was ... seest, and ear which hearest,
hearken to my prayers and supplications in behalf of the old ...
/.../unknown/the history of joseph the carpenter/the history of joseph the.htm

Panegyric on his Brother S. C??sarius.
... and made the object of the united earnest prayers to which ... honoured by the holy hands
of his parents; while his ... for our eager toil here below on behalf of the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration vii panegyric on his.htm

Special Preparation for Baptism.
... such as is plain,"to feed prayers on fastings ... all the brethren embassies of intercession
on his behalf. ... even the children of Christian parents were exorcised ...
/.../chapter iii special preparation for baptism.htm

The House of Zacharias.
... to abate their endeavours and sacrifices on its behalf. ... names, we may infer that
their parents years before ... the angel's testimony to the prayers that ascended ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ii the house of zacharias.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... is wont to run to its parents and tell ... in affliction, perseveres in supplications
and prayers to its ... on a similar occasion: His plea in their behalf is urged ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Answers to Prayer
... "A deacon living in a Berkshire town was requested to give his prayers in behalf
of a ... would be that of helplessness, a burden to herself and to her parents. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... his expected execution, for special prayer in his behalf. ... that Christians offer up
so many prayers without receiving ... that ask him, than earthly parents are to ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

1 Cor. xv. 35, 36
... gather pardon [321] for them, from our prayers, from our gifts in their behalf,
from those ... how many, living, have made life intolerable to their parents. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xli 1 cor xv.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, be made for kings, that we ... and
will not you open your mouths in their behalf? ... 6) When parents lay commands ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm