Psalm 119:25-32
25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. [1]
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What caught my eye in this section of the psalm is the prayer for understanding in verse 27. The psalmist wants to understand the “way of your precept” so that he can rightly meditate on them.
The right understanding of God’s Word is not only a matter of academic study. As much as I value my seminary education, my study of Greek and Hebrew, and the numerous books I have studied to aid my study of Scripture, true understanding goes beyond that. Discipleship includes knowledge of the Word, but is much more than that.
In Luke 24:45, Jesus opens the minds of the apostles to understand the scriptures. True understanding of Scripture involves hearing in them what God wants us to hear and take to heart. Despite spending three years with Jesus, the apostles didn’t come to a right understanding until Jesus opened their minds. It only follows that every time we open the word, we should do so with a prayer that Jesus likewise open our minds and enable us to “understand the way of (his) precepts.”
So that is my prayer today. I pray that today and every day when I open the word, that the Lord would give me understanding so that I may hear in the Scriptures what He wants to say to me, and what He wants me to take to heart.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Ps 119:25–32). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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