Мусар к Тегилим 4:2

King Dovid wrote in the book of Tehillim, “Answer me when I call out, God of my righteousness…, be gracious to me and hear my prayer” (4:2). I believe this verse can be understood in light of the Sages teaching that if person’s prayers are answered immediately he must not become conceited and suppose it to be on account of his righteousness. On the contrary, he should consider himself a sinner from whose prayers the Holy One Blessed is He derives no pleasure at all. Thus in Ta’anis (25b) the Sages liken this to a leper who approached the king’s table with a request. Because the king did not wish for his palace to be sullied by the leper’s presence he commanded that his request be granted on the spot so that he could be sent away. This is what King Dovid meant when he said, “Answer me when I call out, God of my righteousness.” That is, he did not wish to be answered immediately. He wished first to find grace and to have his prayer heard and only afterwards to have his request fulfilled.