[190]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – MY PRAYER (PARTS FROM PSALM 119)
Christians regard the bible as the inspired word of God and as the sole rule for faith and doctrine. That makes the bible the most important resource available to us. It is a most treasured possession. There are many references in the bible itself, to its own peculiar position as the fully inspired word of God. Two of these are found in the New Testament:
(1). Paul writing to Timothy in {{2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”}}
(2). Peter to scattered Christians: {{2 Peter 1:21: “for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”}}
However the most numerous references to the word of God belong to the Old Testament and concentrated in Psalms, more than in other books. Psalm 119 stands out in this regard. Not only is it the longest “chapter” in the bible but the majority of its verses make reference to the bible and is so full of prayerful material that a whole book could be devoted to its exposition.
Once I set out from the AV/KJV all the words that pertained to the “bible” or “precept” and I think about 7 other rough synonyms and listed all the verses in their “compartment”. Words used such as “law, word, testimonies, precepts, ordinances, statutes,” etc. fill this Psalm. Time after time David makes request of God for an enriched personal life all according to the word.
I could not help reading the Psalm and framing in couplets, David’s requests for the LORD’S blessings according to His word. Such wonderful desires are they, that they should be our earnest desires too. I have made selections through the Psalm and entitled it - “My Prayer”. Perhaps you could search the Psalm and locate the home for these thoughts, their verses, but above all, are they your desires too, and can you relate to the substance of what David was requesting?
Many of these verses are prayers and requests. This Psalm comes from a godly man who is immersed in the Law and all the words of scripture. There is so much we can learn from the verses if we wait on the Lord to teach us.
Perhaps the key verse in the Psalm is this one: {{Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”}}
We could select great verses from this Psalm but here are a few –
{{Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.”}}
{{Psalm 119:9 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.”}}
{{Psalm 119:89 “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”}}
{{Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”}}
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MY PRAYER (PARTS FROM PSALM 119)
Challenge me in my lethargy,
To know Your Spirit’s energy.
Direct my eyes towards Your Son;
Follow solely His direction.
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Establish me for Your great Name;
Direct my steps away from shame.
Give understanding of Your word,
Forgetting not, what I have heard.
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Guide me through earth’s many pitfalls,
Crevices and towering walls.
Guide me throughout my earthly walk;
Not at Your loving will to baulk.
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Help me to see Your loving face;
Discern the measure of Your grace.
Help me to understand Your will
That my desires may be still.
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Incline my heart to honest gain;
Falsehood and evil to disdain.
Keep firm my feet lest they should slip,
Or over pride, that they should trip.
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Lead me, Lord, to the still waters.
There to drink; my soul not falters.
May Your lovingkindness keep me;
Salvation in Your word to see.
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Open my eyes so I behold,
The treasures that Your words enfold.
Put me not to shameful disgrace.
Allow me vision of Your face.
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Remove my reproach and contempt.
Grant me Your works then, to attempt.
Remove the false paths from each day.
Lord, lead me in Your chosen way.
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Renew in me Your desire;
Set my soul with love on fire.
Revive me, Lord, and give new trust.
My soul is cleaving to the dust.
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Strengthen me and give relief;
My soul is weeping through my grief.
Turn off my eyes from vanity;
Help me in my humanity.
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12 th & 13 th September, 1997 R E Ferguson 8-8 throughout