1. Ground our Petitions in God's Grand Promises to us in Christ. When we ground our requests in the truths we know about God or the promises to us in Christ, as revealed in Scripture, it guards our prayers in the following two ways. (1) It builds faith into our prayers because we are praying according to His revealed will. When we pray this way, we can believe in and for what we request. (2) It keeps our prayers God-centered, about His glory, His will, HIs purposes, instead of our prayers shriveling into mere self-centered wish-lists. Here is how David prayed by grounding his petitions in promises.

v6 - "incline your ear to me; hear my words" (request); "for you will answer me, O God" (promise)

v7 - "Wondrously show your steadfast love" (request); "O Savior of those who seek refuge...at your right hand" (promise)

v8 - "Keep me" (request) "as the apple of your eye" (promise); "hide me" (request) "in the shadow of your wings" (promise)

2. Keep our Eyes on Eternity. By keeping our eyes on eternity, namely, all that God has promised to be for us in Christ forever, our eternal bliss in the presence of God keeps our earthly, temporary trials in proper perspective! In fact, even though David was facing a life-threatening situation, once his prayer leads him into eternity, he feels quite comfortable ending his prayer there! He knows God is going to one day answer his prayer in the most marvelous way possible. God is going to wondrously show his steadfast love by showing Himself to His people! We will see His face (Rev 22:4)! David awaits the beautific vision with great anticipation and faith, and it gives him much grace in the midst of his present situation.

v15 - "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness."