1 Chronicles 17:23-27

Therefore now, Lord, let the thing that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy servant.

True prayer

It is--

I. Grounded on God’s promise.

II. It regards God’s honour solely (1 Chronicles 17:24).

III. It ascribes all to God’s free grace.

IV. It appeals to God’s faithfulness.

V. It receives the fulness of God’s blessing. (J. Wolfendale.)

That Thou wilt build him an house.--

Domestic piety

I. They who have charge of families should cherish an earnest regard for their welfare.

II. Those who have the care of families should make it their chief anxiety to impart to them religious instruction. Seeking their spiritual welfare we shall--

1. Strive to be the means of their conversion to God.

2. This we should do because converted families are scenes of harmony and love.

3. This only can impart abiding consolation under bereaving providences.

4. It will be thus we shall provide the means in our religious households of future usefulness to the Church and the world. (W. G. Barrett.)