34 Comments
founding

Donny, this is a lot to take in, but the common denominator I try to do with my prayers is to pray for God’s will to be done and His timing. I truly believe there is no right or wrong way to pray. I love how David not only prayed for himself but also for others. Like I said before, no matter if I’m praying for myself or for someone else, I do my best to ask God’s will and His timing be done. Also, there have been times in the past where I’ve been “selfish” in my prayers. I’m not perfect and none of us are, but praise God he knows that, forgives us, and loves us anyway.

As I’m typing this comment, I’m reminded how I recently asked you and this community for prayer to help pray me “through” the frustrations, doubts, and overwhelming thoughts I was having. I just thought if King David was alive today and I heard him praying any one of these types of prayers for me, I would probably fall to my knees right then and there and weep. I can tell you in the last few weeks, there were quite a few different reactions I had depending on where I was at. There was anger, sadness, and yes, oh yes, the tears. But what I could feel were the heartfelt prayers and Godly love from this community. I can only imagine what a person could feel knowing King David was praying for them. To be on the receiving side of this is teaching me to be more vulnerable not only in my faith but also in my prayer life. That vulnerability is beginning to filter out in those areas and others. King David was very vulnerable in his prayers and I want and need more of that in my own life.

To end, I want to thank everyone personally who prayed for me recently. They were felt and I truly appreciate each one of them. I love this community as I’m seeing why God led me here. Even though I will always be a very independent and prideful person, God is definitely teaching me to be even more vulnerable in reaching out when needed. Vulnerability is NOT a weakness. I believe it gives us an inner strength in trusting God even more that helps us in our prayer life but in general our own growth and faith in Jesus. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers! I will lift you up in prayer according to God’s will always!

Thank you once again Donny for the amazing prayer walk and the beauty of nature that surrounded you. May God bless each of you! 🙏❤️🙂

Expand full comment
founding

Anne,

His story is so sincere and his journey of faith is so true that it is moving!

One of David's characteristics that catches my attention is his ability to humble himself and surrender before God, I think this was as broad and deep as his mistakes and guilt.

He showed himself strong, not in continual resistance to temptation, but in contrition of soul and sincere penitence, and he never lost confidence in the God whom he loved, served, and honored.

As Donny said, this is a great example for us and you're on the right track.

God bless you my friend!

Expand full comment
founding

Thanks Angela! King David had his many flaws as we all do, but he's a wonderful example being humble and vulnerable towards God in his prayer life, etc. God bless you too!

Expand full comment

Yes, there is so much to take in on this walk! A bit overwhelming, but in a good sense. May we all become more like David in the sense of persistency in prayer and a genuine relationship with God.

Expand full comment
founding
Apr 13, 2023·edited Apr 13, 2023Liked by Donny Mac

David has to be my favorite of all of those in the Bible whom God called "friend". I loved this little walk through his prayers. Even though he was always favored by God, he messed up about as seriously as a man can mess up and yet God still called him a man after His own heart. The thing I love most about David is that he had this special relationship with God where he was unafraid to ask ANYTHING of God. He was blessed and he was disciplined. He was glorified and brought low. He was a shepherd and a king. He experienced victory and defeat in his life. He was a musician and a poet and he used those gifts to point to God. David's prayers tell us there is nothing too big or small to ask of God. The answer isn't always yes, but God wants us to ask. And if we understand how much God loves us and wants the best for us, we accept that the no's are for our own good. David accepted the no's along with the yes's and trusted God with both. We couldn't want for more than to be a person after God's own heart.

Expand full comment
founding
Apr 13, 2023·edited Apr 13, 2023

It's so interesting when we think that the Bible describes David as a man after God's own heart, but David's life was not perfect. David experienced conquests and failures. I dare say that David's life can be summed up in one word "battles". Battles as king of the people of Israel, battles in his family and, above all, battles within his heart.

Being someone like David is not about never sinning or thinking about giving up, but what this verse says: "For the eyes of the Lord are over all the earth to strengthen those who dedicate their hearts completely to him" 2 Chronicles 16: 9

WOW! This is wonderful and so challenging!

Expand full comment
founding

I love this, Angela! "Battles" is the perfect way to describe David. I've lived a lot of battles - maybe that's why I relate! It's all about the heart, isn't it? The fact that David was a man after God's heart tells me some things about God's heart, too. So good!

Expand full comment
founding

Yes, it's all about the heart and heart of God!

I think the point for us to become people after God's heart is our attitudes towards the Lord, just like David we can ask: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" Psalms 51:10

This verse was written after David committed adultery... I think this psalm is one of the most beautiful and most painful... I keep imagining David's physical and emotional reaction to such a strong confession...

We can also allow God to shape our hearts in the way he pleases and for that, it is necessary to have intimacy and communion with God, just as David had.

Expand full comment

Hi Donny, thanks for David's prayers shared! May God continue to bless you by giving you everything you need! 🙏❤️

Expand full comment

On of the best walks and deep thoughts of this series. Intelligent prayers to God seeking guidance and forgiveness. This is exactly what I needed to hear and think about today. We are all on our journey through this life and trying to reach Home to the Son! Many thanks Donnie. God bless us all.

Expand full comment
author

Hey William, I'm glad God gave you what you needed to hear and think about. Godspeed

Expand full comment
founding
Apr 13, 2023Liked by Donny Mac

Prayers of Daniel, prayers of David, prayers of Donny, prayers of God's people. Seems like there is a song in there somewhere. Prayers of praise, prayers for guidance, prayers for mercy and forgiveness. Reading the prayers of Daniel and David is very encouraging. I get stuck with a formula: God please, please, forgive me, forgive me, thank you, thank you, amen. Kind of like the shopping list Donny spoke of.

And I have found myself thinking that I am asking for that thing AGAIN. Sorry, God, that I haven't learned how to ________________yet. I am so grateful for grace.

I don't know that you can spend too much time on this topic.

I pray that God will bless each one here who seeks to draw closer to Him.

Expand full comment
author

thank you for your prayers

Expand full comment
Apr 14, 2023Liked by Donny Mac

David, a man after God’s own heart!! I love David and his honesty! I believe the reason he was called a man after God’s own heart was because of his honesty and vulnerability. He was far from perfect, but his life is an example to us; we can have the same thing. As we look at the many prayers of David; there is every emotion: joy, sadness, thankfulness, complaining, anger, grief, repentance, forgiveness, and many more. But he knew God already knew so he was quick to acknowledge how he felt. He was quick to repent. I truly believe that is why he had that heart. I’ve modeled my prayers that way: being honest and vulnerable; because He showed me how He already knows. So I tell Him how I feel, sometimes tears is all I have, but I also have times of silence so I can hear Him. Am I perfect? Oh, heck, no! Could God say I’m a woman after His heart? That I don’t know but I like to think so, especially as we get closer and I am getting more and more comfortable and knowing who I am in Christ. He is my world!!

Expand full comment
Apr 14, 2023Liked by Donny Mac

Hi everyone. Around the 22-23 minute mark Donny starts to list the different types of prayers David put forth to our Lord. I looked outside to the sky and realized it was the relationship David had with God himself that afforded him the ability to pray as he did. A minute later Donny talks about that very thing, having a relationship with the Lord as the foundation of prayer.

Open, honest, and dependent upon God.

A ways back Donny had a prayer walk challenging people to think about what it takes to give up everything and follow Jesus. This put my head and heart into a tailspin from which I am just getting to slow down. There was a time when my life was completely dependent upon God, and I had no other choice than to surrender everything to him as I was unable to make life happen on my own. I had an open, honest and dependent relationship with Jesus.

I'm working to get back that relationship, give myself to his will. It is at that time the heart and mouth will flow with prayers worthy of a loving servant. This ain't easy, is it?

Expand full comment
author

Hello Jeff, Thanks for sharing. I love that no matter how far from God we drift. He is always there wanting us and welcoming us to come back to Him.

May God guide you as you make your way back to that relationship with Him. And may He bless your relationship with more intimacy.

Expand full comment
Apr 13, 2023Liked by Donny Mac

Thank you so much, Donnie a lot to take in. I am going back in reading the scriptures. I am ashamed to say I was really off on my prayers. Asking the Lord to forgive me. I learned a lot on your walk. I am still in the process of learning and always will be.

Have a bless day. Prayers are with you and pray for His guidance to be revealed to you.

❤️🙏☝️😊

Expand full comment
author

we are all still learning 🙂

Expand full comment

Thank you Donny for this prayer walk focusing on David. David is one of my favorite Biblical figures because he was so flawed. He is remembered for his discretions but at the same time for his abundant praise of God. The many Psalms that he wrote are the foundation for my relationship with God. He saw prayer as his daily conversation with God, always showing vulnerability, his need for God, acknowledging that he was God’s servant and praising God as his protector and guide. I talk to God repeatedly during the day. I have my prayer time every day but as the day progresses I have open conversations with God. As the morning sun shines on flowers “thank you God”. As problems arise or things don’t go as planned “ok God I am here show me the next step”. As I get overwhelmed by the evil in the world “God I know you are in charge, help us, guide me and bring me your peace in the name of your Son, Jesus”. David stands as an example of the closeness, the friendship, the guidance, the forgiveness we are blessed with as servants of an almighty God. Thank you Donny for your thoughtful messages and always reminding me of the importance of prayer. 🙏

Expand full comment

I love listening to God’s voice in my heart. I heard this morning that God shows His love to us in our lowest moments. I do give honest prayers to Jesus my councilor to take to the Father for me. Some prayers I know I have to let down the net into the water to receive what God has planned. You and I both know why God had you to tarry a bit longer. I pray that my desires don’t interfere with the larger plan God has for another. What has been your most fervent prayer outside of coming back to Nashville and your music? If God has an order I’ll pray for those in solidarity with you. Right now my child is messed up again. I may not see her turn around before God calls me home but I know he is faithful.

Expand full comment
author

we can all pray with you for your child if you ask. 🙂

my most fervent prayer is to love people better and step boldly with faith into what ever direction the Lord God has for me. Without hesitation.

Expand full comment

My child is a repeat prodigal then she sits here and helps me do a technical chore. She is now almost 31 I just want her to see her value that doesn’t require an alcohol proof.

Expand full comment
Apr 13, 2023Liked by Donny Mac

Wow Donny, that was a lot of thinking. The biggest part that struck home was how I prayed and prayed for Don to live. For 6 long years, I just repeated my prayer for him to live. I didn't go to Church back then, God was someone I spoke to occasionally but I felt that I had a good relationship with God. God's answer was a resounding NO. He needed Don with him. Soon after Don was gone, I decided that I needed to go to Church. I have gone almost every sunday since Don passed almost 7 years ago. I think that my prayers and beliefs grew stronger with each passing day. Now I feel that I have more of a "discussion" if you will than constantly asking for something. Especially on my morning walks. But I feel that I have a strong relationship with God. You have helped greatly with my prayers Donny. I think I now know how to do it much better. Thank you for this Prayer Walk.

Expand full comment
founding

Good Morning! I’m definitely not a biblical scholar so I always thought the term “a man after God’s heart” meant David was chosen or ordained by God to be King, not like Saul who was appointed. I use the saying myself to describe someone -- or something someone did that I approve of. Your question about being open, honest & vulnerable in prayer kind of caught me off guard. I had to think about that – probably the only place I AM completely vulnerable IS with God. I guess I’ve always thought that since He’s All-Knowing why even try to keep secrets from Him.

I remember one time in a classroom discussion on values the question came up that asked the students if they would cheat in a certain situation. A lot of kids said they would if they wouldn’t get caught. And I blurted out, “But God would know…” Oops! Usually I never interjected myself or influenced classroom discussions so that put an end to that one. Ha ha! Next question…

Thanks for another inspiring Prayer Walk, Donny! I almost thought you weren't going to make it yesterday. Ha! I've been enjoying my own walks as Spring is arriving & trees are budding here in Ohio. Achoo!

Expand full comment

I struggle with praying. I know there is no right or wrong way to pray, but I sometimes pray the same thing over and over and I don't feel this is right. I am trying to include a prayer from the book of Psalms or other books in the Bible by praying these prayers back to God. I do pray for you every day, Donny, that your prayers will be answered.

Expand full comment
author

thank you for your prayers

Expand full comment

I loved listening to your prayer walk tonight.I learned a lot about praying.How God answers prayers and how should I react if he says no to my prayers.I always pray for you Donny that God deepens your faith and God will use you to spread the word all over the world.You are in my prayer list.I always look forward to Wednesday to listen to you.God bless you Donny.

Expand full comment
author

thank you

Expand full comment

What a great prayer walk! Beautiful scenery and an amazing discussion! How can I even begin to comment? It’s kind of overwhelming. I admire and am impressed with David’s persistency in prayer. He prayed all the time and it seems like he prayed about anything and everything. Maybe this persistency is a characteristic that God also appreciated when he called him “a man after his own heart.” I don’t think we can ever pray too much and really believe we can and should pray at all times and about everything. It can be structured prayer, such as the Lord’s Prayer, or praying scripture itself, but most often it is in the form of conversations with God that come from deep in our hearts. It seems that with David prayer was just like breathing! I suspect that many of the great spiritual figures also prayed in this manner. I realize that I am so far short of this standard! I am truly in awe of this and hope and pray that prayer would become more and more a part of my everyday life, moment by moment, in all situations. This is so deep and profound.

Expand full comment
author

May God grant you what you hope for. That prayer would become more and more a part of your everyday life, moment by moment, in all situations.

Expand full comment
founding
Apr 15, 2023Liked by Donny Mac

Donny, thanks for the walk this week, finally had some quiet time to really listen again. This walk took me back to time in my life when the majority of my prayers were more of asking for things in return for doing something that I thought God wanted me to do...basically bargaining with God. I found my prayers changed after my husband, at first it was “ why”, did you let this happen, over time it changed to “ now what am I supposed to do”. My current prayers are more asking for guidance, healing and gratitude.

Prayers for healing.

Prayers for guidance,

Prayers for forgiveness.

Prayers for gratitude.

Quiet time in silence.

Sharing my heart, God knows.

All given to God!

Blessings to you as you continue on your journey!

All given to God.

Expand full comment