Tag: prayer

A Determined Desire: Choosing a Life of Integrity (Psalm 101:2)

In our last post, we saw how David’s journey into a life of integrity began not with a list of rules, but with a song. His heart was captivated by God’s unfailing love and perfect justice, and that worship became the fuel for everything that followed. Now, in verse two, we see that worship naturally translates into a personal, practical commitment. The song in his heart leads to a solemn promise on his lips.

Let’s read the verse: “I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.” (Psalm 101:2, NLT).

This is where the rubber meets the road. David moves from praising God’s character to defining his own conduct. But notice how he does it. This isn’t a proud boast; it’s a humble, dependent vow.

The What: A “Blameless” Life

David declares he will be “careful to live a blameless life.” The word “blameless” can sound intimidating, as if it means a perfect, sinless life. But in the Bible, to be blameless doesn’t mean to be flawless. It means to be wholehearted, integrated, and sincere. It’s about having a heart that is fully committed to God, which leads to a life that is consistent and trustworthy.

Think of it like a building that is “plumb” – its walls are straight and true because they are aligned with a fixed standard. For David, that standard was God’s law. To be blameless is to intentionally align your life with God’s ways. The fact that he says he will “be careful” shows this won’t happen by accident. It requires attention, intention, and diligence. It’s a conscious choice to walk a particular path.

The Where: The Importance of “My Own Home”

Then David gets even more specific: “I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.” This is a powerful and revealing statement. It’s one thing to act a certain way in public, at church, or when people are watching. It’s another thing entirely to live with integrity in the privacy of your own four walls.

Our home is the place where we are most truly ourselves. It’s where our guard comes down. If our faith doesn’t work there, it isn’t real. David is committing to the same character in private that he displays in public. He promises to be the same person with his family, his servants, and his private thoughts as he is when standing before the nation. This is the ultimate test of integrity. Are we kind, patient, and faithful when the only audience is God and those who know us best?

The How: A Cry for Help

Sandwiched right in the middle of this bold promise is a vulnerable plea: “when will you come to help me?” This is the key to the whole verse. David knows he cannot do this in his own strength. His resolve is coupled with a deep dependence on God.

This prayer shows that the desire to live a blameless life is itself a gift from God. It is the Holy Spirit who stirs our hearts to want holiness. By crying out for help, David acknowledges that from start to finish, a life of integrity is a work of God’s grace in us. The Apostle Paul understood this same principle when he wrote, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13, NLT). Our job is to cooperate with that work, to say “I will” while simultaneously praying, “Lord, please help me to will.”

What This Means For Us Today

So, how do we apply this determined yet dependent vow to our own lives?

First, we can choose to be intentional. Living a life of integrity doesn’t happen by default. We must decide, as David did, to “be careful.” This might mean setting healthy boundaries for ourselves, being mindful of our entertainment choices, or pausing before we speak in frustration. It’s about actively pursuing wholeness, rather than just passively hoping for it.

Second, we can start at home. Let’s ask ourselves some challenging questions: Is my character consistent behind closed doors? Am I more loving and patient with strangers than I am with my own family? David’s vow challenges us to make our home the primary place where we practice our faith, offering grace, speaking truth, and serving one another.

Finally, we can combine our resolve with reliance. We can make our own bold promises to God, but we must always do so with a prayer on our lips. When we feel the temptation to cut corners, to be harsh in private, or to let our standards slip, we can echo David’s cry: “Lord, I want to be faithful here—please, come and help me right now.” Our determination is the track, but God’s grace is the engine that carries us forward.

David’s worship led to a want for holiness. Next, we will see how this internal commitment begins to shape his outward actions, starting with what he allows before his eyes.

A Heart Captivated: The Foundation of a Godly Life (Psalm 101:1)

In our first post, we saw that Psalm 101 is like a solemn promise from King David, a blueprint for living a good and godly life. But such a life isn’t built on willpower alone. The drive for real change doesn’t start with a clenched fist of determination, but with a heart that has been captured by something beautiful. And that’s exactly where David begins. This very first verse is the foundation for everything that follows, showing us the why behind all his resolutions.

Let’s look at the words: “I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will sing praises to you with the harp.” (Psalm 101:1, NLT).

What God is Like: Love and Justice

David doesn’t start by talking about himself, but about God. His personal commitment is rooted in God’s character. The two things he focuses on—”love and justice”—are a powerful pair that tell us a great deal about who God is.

The word for “love” here is the Hebrew word chesed. It’s a deep, rich word that means more than just a feeling. It’s a loyal, steady, unfailing love—the kind that keeps its promises no matter what. This is the love God showed when He rescued Israel from Egypt and made them His own people.

Right alongside this incredible love, David places God’s “justice”. In the Bible, God’s justice isn’t just about punishment; it’s about Him making things right. It’s His commitment to defending the vulnerable, confronting evil, and ensuring that truth wins in the end.

Putting these two things together is crucial. Love without justice could become soft and allow wrong to continue. Justice without love could become harsh and unforgiving. But in God, they exist in perfect harmony. He is completely compassionate and absolutely fair at the very same time. David’s understanding of this is the bedrock for his own promises. He isn’t trying to invent his own standard of goodness; he is responding to, and wanting to reflect, the wonderful character of his God.

Our Response: The Power of Praise

David’s reaction to seeing God’s character is to worship. He says, “I will sing… I will sing praises.” The repetition shows this is a deliberate choice, a firm decision. This isn’t just a passing happy feeling; it’s a resolve. He even brings out his harp, showing that his worship is full-hearted and engaged.

For David, the harp wasn’t just for entertainment. It was the instrument he used to comfort King Saul and to lead the nation in worship. For him, knowing the truth about God naturally led to praising God. This connection is just as important for us today. When we fill our minds with who God is, it can’t help but overflow into thankfulness and song from our hearts.

What This Means For Us Today

So, what does this mean for our everyday lives? The practical commitments we’ll see in the next verses—like being careful what we look at and who we spend time with—all find their power source right here. We won’t be able to live out the challenging life described in Psalm 101 if our hearts aren’t first captured by the God described in verse 1.

First, we need to make a habit of looking at God’s character. Our faith journey shouldn’t start with a long list of rules, but by gazing at the stunning love and justice of God. We see this most clearly at the cross, where God’s justice was satisfied by Jesus and His love was poured out for us. A heart that isn’t regularly amazed by this good news will lack the strength to make the tough, right choices later on.

Second, we can choose a life of praise. David’s resolve to sing is a great example. When we feel far from God or stuck in a rut, one of the most powerful things we can do is to deliberately choose to thank God for who He is. We can recount His faithfulness and His fairness. This act of will, even when we don’t feel like it, recalibrates our perspective and reminds us what is truly real.

In the end, the vow to live a good life doesn’t begin with a grim decision to try harder. It starts with a song. It begins when a heart, overwhelmed by the loyal love and perfect justice of God, can’t help but respond in worship. This praise is the fuel for a life that pleases God. It is the only foundation strong enough to build upon. Next time, we’ll see how this heart of worship directly leads to a personal commitment to holy living, as we explore verse 2.

The Sovereign’s Vow (Introduction to Psalm 101) 

Welcome to the beginning of our new series, where we will embark on a detailed, verse-by-verse exploration of Psalm 101. This compact, yet profoundly rich, psalm offers a vision of personal and civic righteousness that is as challenging today as it was when it was first composed. Before we delve into the intricate details of each verse, it is essential to establish a firm foundation by understanding its authorship, historical context, and overarching theme. This introductory post will serve as that foundation, providing the necessary background to fully appreciate the depth of the commitments expressed within this “sovereign’s vow.”

The Author: David, the King

Here, the content of the psalm powerfully corroborates the attribution to David. This is not a psalm for every man; it is the meditation of a ruler, a king burdened with the weight of governance and the establishment of justice. The voice we hear is one of singular authority, possessing the power to “silence the wicked” and “expel the evil” from the land.

David, Israel’s greatest king and the man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), was uniquely positioned to pen such a text. His reign marked a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, transitioning from the chaotic period of the Judges to a established, centralised monarchy. As the Lord’s anointed, his primary calling was to shepherd the people of Israel and to administer God’s justice within the covenant community. The commitments outlined in Psalm 101 resonate deeply with the ideals of kingship presented in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, where the king is commanded to write a copy of the law for himself and to read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord and keep all His statutes. This psalm reads as David’s personal, heartfelt response to that very charge—a blueprint for how he intends to fulfil his sacred office.

Historical Context: A Reign of Righteousness

While it is difficult to pin down the precise moment in David’s life that inspired this psalm, its themes suggest it was likely composed during the early, formative years of his reign in Jerusalem. Having consolidated power and brought the Ark of the Covenant to the new capital (2 Samuel 6), David would have been intensely focused on establishing a royal court and a system of governance that reflected the character of the God he served. The kingdom was being built, not just with stones and mortar, but with moral and spiritual foundations.

Psalm 101 can be understood as a charter for this new administration. It outlines the ethical standards for David’s own conduct, his household, and his inner circle of advisors. The historical books of Samuel and Kings reveal that David’s reign, though blessed by God, was not without profound moral failure and political intrigue. The tragic events surrounding his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent sins of his children, such as Amnon and Absalom, stand in stark contrast to the lofty ideals of this psalm. This tension does not invalidate the psalm; rather, it heightens its poignancy. It presents the godly ideal for which David strived, a standard against which his own successes and failures—and indeed, all human leadership—can be measured. It is a solemn vow made before God, a reminder that true governance begins with personal integrity.

The Theme: A Covenant of Conduct

At its heart, Psalm 101 is a psalm of commitment. It is a series of solemn resolutions concerning the poet’s personal life (“I will be careful to live a blameless life”), his private household (“I will lead a life of integrity in my own home”), and his public policy (“I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house”). The theme is one of radical fidelity, both to God and to His law. The king recognises that to rule justly, he must first be ruled. His own heart and eyes must be disciplined before he can sit in judgement on the affairs of the nation.

This commitment is framed by a clear dichotomy: the embrace of the faithful and the rejection of the wicked. There is a deliberate intentionality in the king’s associations, understanding that character is contagious and that the company one keeps will inevitably shape the course of one’s reign. The psalm, therefore, is not merely a personal piety list; it is a political manifesto rooted in covenant theology. It declares that the health of the nation is directly tied to the moral and spiritual health of its leadership. The king’s palace is to be a microcosm of the righteous kingdom God desires for all Israel.

In our next post, we will begin our close examination with verse 1, where we will explore the beautiful interplay of love and justice that forms the very foundation of the king’s vow. We will see how his commitment to righteous living springs not from a place of rigid legalism, but from a heart captivated by the steadfast love and justice of his God.

From Apathy to Action: Why Praying for Good Government is a Priority for Christians 

Introduction

Many Christians in the UK feel disconnected from government, often dismissing all politicians as unworthy of attention due to widespread distrust. This disengagement can lead believers to view politics as irrelevant to their faith. Yet, Scripture presents a different call: praying for good government is a biblical priority and a cornerstone of Christian prayer life. Three passages—1 Timothy 2:1-4, Jeremiah 29:7, and Romans 13:1-4—explicitly command believers to intercede for leaders, revealing its centrality to faith. Such prayers foster peace, advance the Gospel, and align society with God’s purposes, countering apathy with obedient trust in His sovereignty.

An AI generated image of parliament like buildings in a cityscape 

Biblical Commands to Pray for Good Government

Scripture unequivocally commands Christians to pray for those in authority, positioning this practice as a foundational priority. A close examination of three passages reveals the depth and urgency of this call, grounding it in God’s redemptive plan.

1 Timothy 2:1-4: The Foremost Priority of Prayer

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Paul’s use of “first of all” is striking, marking prayer for leaders as the primary focus of Christian intercession. This is not a casual suggestion but a deliberate directive, placing prayers for kings, governors, and all in authority at the forefront of the church’s spiritual practice. The Greek term prōton (first) underscores priority in rank, not merely sequence, suggesting that this prayer is foundational to Christian worship. Paul’s comprehensive terms—supplications (requests for needs), prayers (general communion with God), intercessions (pleas on behalf of others), and thanksgivings—call for a multifaceted approach to praying for leaders, regardless of their character or policies. The purpose is twofold: to enable believers to live “peaceful and quiet” lives conducive to godliness and to support God’s desire for “all people to be saved.” This links prayer for government directly to evangelism, as stable societies facilitate the Gospel’s spread. Christians are thus called to prioritise intercession for leaders, trusting God to work through even flawed authorities to achieve His redemptive purposes.

Jeremiah 29:7: Praying for a Hostile Nation’s Welfare

“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7). This command, given to Israelites exiled in Babylon, is remarkable for its context. Babylon was a pagan, oppressive empire, yet God instructs His people to pray for its well-being. The Hebrew word shalom (welfare) implies peace, prosperity, and wholeness, suggesting prayers for holistic societal good. This directive reveals that God ties the flourishing of His people to the health of the surrounding society, even under hostile rule. The call to “pray to the Lord” indicates that intercession is the primary means of seeking this welfare, placing prayer at the heart of civic engagement. For modern Christians, this passage challenges disengagement, urging prayers for local and national governments—whether supportive or antagonistic—as their stability directly impacts believers’ ability to live faithfully. Jeremiah’s command underscores that praying for government is not optional but integral to God’s plan for His people’s spiritual and social thriving.

Romans 13:1-4: Submitting to God’s Appointed Authorities

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. … For he is God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:1-4). Paul asserts that all governing authorities are established by God, serving as His instruments for order and justice. The Greek exousia (authority) emphasizes God’s sovereign appointment of rulers, whether emperors or local officials. This theological foundation implies a duty to pray for leaders to fulfil their God-given role as “servants for good,” promoting justice and punishing evil. While submission to authority is the primary focus, prayer naturally follows, as intercession seeks God’s guidance for leaders to align with His purposes. This passage calls Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty over governance, praying for authorities—such as MPs or councillors—to act justly, thereby fostering a society where righteousness prevails. Romans 13 elevates prayer for government as an act of faith in God’s ultimate authority.

Why Praying for Good Government Matters

Praying for good government is vital for several reasons. First, it produces peace, enabling Christians to lead “a peaceful and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:2), free from persecution or chaos, where faith can flourish. Second, it supports Gospel advancement, as stable governance creates opportunities for evangelism, aligning with God’s desire for “all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). Third, it promotes justice, as governments are God’s servants to uphold good and punish evil (Romans 13:4). Prayer aligns leaders with God’s heart, benefiting society. Finally, in a distrustful culture, praying for all leaders reflects Christlike humility, distinguishing Christians as agents of reconciliation. Early Christians prayed for Roman emperors despite persecution, showing the timeless power of such prayers.

Practical Steps for Praying for Good Government

  1. Specific Prayers: Pray for leaders’ wisdom and integrity, covering local councillors, MPs, and global figures.
  2. Consistent Practice: Include prayers for government in daily devotions, using 1 Timothy 2:1’s framework.
  3. Community Prayer: Join church groups to pray collectively for leaders, amplifying impact.
  4. Faithful Trust: Pray with confidence in God’s sovereignty (Romans 13:1), even when outcomes are uncertain.

Conclusion

Praying for good government is a biblical priority, rooted in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Jeremiah 29:7, and Romans 13:1-4. These passages reveal its centrality to Christian prayer, fostering peace, justice, and Gospel advancement. Believers must move beyond disengagement, prioritising intercession for leaders. Through prayer, Christians participate in God’s redemptive work, transforming nations for His glory.

Beyond Doubt: John 20: 19–31

As ever, it was a tremendous privilege to speak at this morning’s church service. Continuing our Easter services, we were looking at the gospel of John and share below my sermon which I hope you enjoy.

A cartoon image of doubting Thomas standing in the middle of a room looking sceptical 

Finding balance and looking ahead-a quick update from me! 

I’m so sorry for not writing much lately. Life has taken a busy turn with a new job and a pretty demanding role. It’s kept me on my toes, and I’ve missed connecting with you all through these posts. The days seem to blur together with meetings, deadlines, and trying to keep up with everything. I’ve always loved sitting down to share thoughts on faith, life, and what God’s been teaching me, so this quieter spell on the blog has felt strange. Thanks for sticking with me through it—I’m hoping to find a better rhythm soon, though it might take a bit of juggling.

A cartoon character with a radio headphones on, a magazine in one hand and a laptop in the other. In the background you can see a busy commuter train and tall buildings 

In a few weeks, I’ve got the privilege of preaching at church on Micah chapter 4, and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a powerful passage about God’s promise of hope and restoration, packed with vivid imagery and big ideas. Here’s a taste from the early part: “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.'” What a picture of unity and peace—a time when people from all over will come together to seek God and live in His ways. There’s so much in there to unpack, and what’s fascinating is how many different ways folks interpret it. Some see it as a literal future event, with a physical temple and nations streaming to Jerusalem. Others take it more symbolically, pointing to the church or even Christ’s ultimate reign. I’m excited to dig into those perspectives, wrestle with the text, and see where the Spirit leads. It’s a chance to explore what this hope means for us today—how we hold onto it amid our own challenges. Keep praying for God’s kingdom to come as I prepare!

On another note, don’t forget you can catch me every Thursday evening from 6 pm UK time on Pure 24/7 Radio for the 90s show. It’s a blast spinning those tunes—think Oasis, Spice Girls, and maybe a bit of Take That—and chatting about life and faith. There’s something special about music that takes you back, isn’t there? It’s a chance to unwind, reflect, and connect with listeners who share a love for the era. Tune in at pure247radio.org—I’d love to have you along for the ride. The team at Pure 24/7 does an amazing job, and it’s a privilege to be part of their lineup. Whether you’re driving home, cooking dinner, or just chilling out, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours.

While you’re at it, check out Pure Media’s magazine. It’s a free monthly download packed with inspiring articles that I think you’ll enjoy. Grab it here: puremediafamily.com/magazine. They cover all sorts—faith, family, culture—and it’s a brilliant resource to keep you encouraged. One piece that stood out recently was an article on finding joy in tough seasons. It featured a story about a family navigating loss with faith and resilience, woven with practical tips and Scripture. It hit home for me, especially with the busyness I’ve been feeling, and I reckon it’d resonate with many of you too. The magazine’s got a knack for blending real-life experiences with hope, so it’s well worth a look.

I won’t promise I’ll be back writing loads soon—this job’s keeping me busy, and I’m still figuring out how to carve out time for everything. But I’ll definitely try. These posts are a way to process what’s on my heart and share it with you, and I don’t want that to slip away completely. Thanks for your support—it means a lot to know you’re reading, even when I’ve been quieter. You’re all in my prayers, and I’m grateful for this little community we’ve got here. Keep seeking Him, and maybe I’ll catch you on the radio or in the comments sometime soon!

This Sunday at Church: Pray for the Single Fathers in the Church

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: This Sunday at Church: Pray for the Single Fathers in the Church.

This Sunday at Church: Pray for the Single Fathers in the Church

This Sunday at Church: Pray for the neighborhood around Church

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Pray for the neighborhood around Church.

This Sunday at Church: Pray for the neighborhood around Church

This Sunday at Church: Pray for those teaching Children’s Sunday School at your Church

For this Sunday here’s what you can do: This Sunday at Church: This Sunday at Church: Pray for those teaching the Children’s Sunday School at your …

This Sunday at Church: Pray for those teaching Children’s Sunday School at your Church

This Sunday at Church: Pray for young people to come hear the Gospel in your church

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Pray for young people to come hear the Gospel in your church

This Sunday at Church: Pray for young people to come hear the Gospel in your church

Hears and Delivers – Andy Brown

The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 (WEB)   If you are like me, when you read this verse you ask yourself “Am I righteous?” Or rather, “Am I righteous enough?” You may even start to question whether God hears your prayers, thinking you don’t qualify for…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2019/08/01/hears-and-delivers/

This Sunday at Church: Praying for those who are depressed

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Praying for those who are depressed.

This Sunday at Church: Praying for those who are depressed