Shout The Victory Raise the Banner

90 Days of Prayer – Day Forty Two

Psalm 20:5
“May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.”

This passage is part of King David’s prayer for all who have faith in God, who, answers prayer, provides protection and support from heaven. His name is brings peace to those in distress, and it is God alone who grants the desires of the heart like no one else can. David is writing from experience and places his confidence for positive outcomes in no one else but God, who’s given him many victories over the years
God is the Victory in the Midst of the Fight
Even in the midst of trouble we find David crying out to God for help, and there comes to him a settled peace whenever he stands on the assurance of God’s deliverance. David has God’s Word on the matter, so he prays through until he receives the blessing from heaven, and then he rejoices in it. In this Psalm he wishes the same for all who love God and call on His name in their time of trouble.
Raise Your Banners
David’s phrase “lift up our banners in the name of our God” is an image of military tactics, when armies would raise the banner (the standard); a commanding of a certain formation among the troops. David is thoroughly familiar with this, and uses it when calling on God. He uses his prayers as the banners to be raised in the conflict, and the armies of heaven take their position at the command of the Lord to rescue His servant, and bring about the victory.
I think of the disciples with Jesus in the boat, crying out to him in the midst of the storm. They had but little faith and it was out of fear that they cried to Jesus (lifted the banner) for help. They didn’t know what to do, but they knew who to go to for victory over the storm. Jesus stood and at His command all forces snapped to attention, and the storm was stilled. They too had something to shout about after a brief sigh of relief I’m sure.
Align Yourself with the Cause of the Lord
Great things begin to happen when our thoughts and words are aligned with God’s. When we pray, the armies of heaven respond to the commands of the Lord who is answering our cry for help. This in essence is David’s desire for all who fight for the cause of the Lord. He enjoyed praising God whenever he saw others experience the victories he so often had. David knew from experience that “The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one” (Psalm 28:8).

David hid God’s Word in his heart; he depended on God for everything according to His Word. I always mention that Psalm 119 has 176 verses dealing with God’s powerful influence in the life of those who live by His Word. David built his life around God and His Word. This is what gave him his victories.
Let God’s promises of salvation, deliverance, healing, provisions and protection be marked indelibly on your heart until His love causes you to sing His praises. Follow David’s example and walk in the light of God’s written Word; Raise your banner in the Name of the Lord in prayer, Be at peace in the midst of the storm, Be victorious, “May the LORD grant all your requests,” and Be Encouraged! -JSP