Psalm 119 Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God

This is the second of twenty-two parts to this Psalm – the longest chapter and the longest Psalm in the Bible. This Psalm focuses on Scripture using these words to refer to it: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word and ordinances. The Psalm is written as an acrostic with each section beginning with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I’ve journaled my way through this.

Beth. January 15-19, 2016

⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.

Dear Father, How can an older woman keep her way pure? How can anyone stay pure? It’s difficult or impossible for all of us humans. We only do this by living as your Word instructs us and with the power of the Holy Spirit. Only when we surrender all to you can we approach a pure and unblemished way of living.

¹⁰ With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

Father, with all my heart I have sought you – some of the time. Am I half-hearted in seeking you some times? I’m afraid so. I need your help. Give me one pure and holy passion for You, Lord. Hold me close. I love you, Lord.

¹¹ Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.

Father, Your Word I have treasured in my heart – but not as diligently as possible. I’m a work in progress and I need to make your Word a priority. Journaling this Psalm is helping me see the need to do this. The Psalmist said he treasured your word in his heart so he wouldn’t sin against you. Wow! I guess all sin is against you. I never thought of it that way. Help me, Lord. Forgive my daily sins of self-centeredness and pride. Guide me in your humble path.

¹² Blessed are You, O Lord;
Teach me Your statutes.

Dear Father, You are blessed. I praise you Lord. Teach me your statutes. I know a statute is a law or a decree. I know from your word what your laws or statutes are. And Jesus said the most important law is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and the second one is to love your neighbor as yourself. I do LOVE you Lord. Help me focus on this more and love you more deeply. “Day by day, three things I pray. To see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly; follow Thee more nearly, day by day.” Thank you for this song in my heart that helps me keep your first commandment as well as the second one.

¹³ With my lips I have told of
All the ordinances of Your mouth.

Dear Father, With my lips I have told others about Your LOVE and GRACE and your SACRIFICE. Our culture is lawless – perhaps I should tell others about your laws, your commandments, and your expectations of us. I did journal about Your Son’s COMMANDMENTS. These go beyond the ten commandments of your Word. Guide me in thinking more about this.

¹⁴ I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.

Dear Father, I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies – your Scripture. Have I rejoiced as much as I do in all riches? I know we are blessed with money, comfort, food, shelter, and clothing and we can buy whatever we want or need. I haven’t experienced poverty of things. But I don’t wish for more than we have. Riches get in the way some times – we have too much. It takes up our time and energy taking care of our house and cars and stuff. Things do not satisfy for very long. I do cherish and rejoice in your testimonies. I praise you, Lord. Keep me in your Word.

¹⁵ I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways.

Dear Father, I will meditate on your precepts, your Word. Your Word does guide me, inspire me, delight me and inform me. It even entertains me. M and I have been reading the book of Acts together. What adventures the early Christians experienced, especially Paul. Thank you for your Word. I guess this verse refers mostly to your law as the Psalmist didn’t have the Gospel yet. I do regard your ways. Your ways are not the ways of the world. Guide me in growing in faith and in the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.

¹⁶ I shall delight in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word.

Dear Father, I do delight in your statues. Or do I? I haven’t thought much about your law, precepts, commands, and statutes until I began journaling this Psalm. I do examine my heart often asking you to show me my sins. And I notice my impatience and irritation and self-centeredness often and turn to you and ask forgiveness. Journaling this Psalm is helping me delight more in your law. I will not forget your Word. It is in my heart, mind, and soul. And the Spirit brings to mind your Word. Help me grow in knowing your Word, relying on it and obeying it. I love you.

Blessings, Dottie