(Wednesday, 11-07-07) Prayer 28 - David's Prayer for a Pure Heart

Read First:
Psalm 19

Hear It!

This Psalm contains one of the verses considered by some to be a key verse in the entire book. Psalm 19:14 reads: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

For this reason, though the words of the psalm do not directly plead for a pure heart, it is the condition of the heart that is at the core of the petition.

There are other items of interest with regard to this psalm. The Believer’s Study Bible notes: “Psalm 19 illustrates the two general categories of revelation: [1] natural revelation, God’s revealing of Himself through the created order (vv. 1– 6); and [2] special revelation, God’s revealing of Himself through the Scriptures (vv. 7–11).”

It is important to note that the Psalmist ascribes certain things to God, evidenced in His works and in His Law. It is in light of God that the Psalmist makes one simple request concerning the condition and actions of his heart.

What Can We Learn?
1. We sometimes overlook the power of “natural revelation,” that truth of God revealed by the creation itself , but this is the concern of the first six verses. Note 19:1: “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”
2. The statements here regarding God’s Law are similar to those in Psalm 119. Note the following from the Word in Life Study Bible regarding the effects of God’s Law (His word).
(a) Avoiding sin and pursuing godliness (Ps. 119:3, 11, 36, 102, 133).
(b) A motivation and basis for praising God (119:7, 171).
(c) A pure lifestyle (119:9).
(d) Readjustments in our priorities (119:14, 92) and values (119:16, 20, 37, 48, 72, 103, 111, 127).
(e) Insight into our purpose on earth (119:19, 32, 125).
(f) Avoiding and learning from God’s rebuke (119:21–22, 67, 71, 75, 118).
(g) A basis for evaluating criticism and opposition (119:23, 41 –42, 51, 61, 69, 84–88, 98, 161).
(h) A source of wisdom and guidance for day-to-day life (119:24, 66, 105, 130, 176).
(i) Encouragement, hope, and comfort (119:25, 28, 41, 49–50, 52, 55, 61, 81– 83, 114, 166).
(j) Something valuable with which to occupy our minds (119:27, 55, 62, 97, 147–148) and conversation (119:46, 164, 172).
(k) A basis for truth, honesty, and integrity (119:29–30, 99–100, 104, 163).
(l) A sense of freedom (119:45).
(m) A source of new songs (119:54).
(n) An accurate basis for self-examination (119:59).
(o) Fellowship with like -minded believers (119:63, 79).
(p) A solid foundation for our faith (119:66, 89–90).
(q) Protection and peace (119:114, 165).
(r) The ability to discern right from wrong (119:136, 138–139, 158).
(s) A motivation and basis for prayer (119:169–170).
(t) The Lord’s help (119:173–174).
3. The Word of God is characterized as being: [1] perfect, i.e., complete and without fault; [2] sure, i.e., not variable; [3] right, i.e., straight; [4] pure, i.e., without alloy; [5] clean, i.e., without impurities; and [6] true, i.e., utterly dependable. The law of the Lord produces two dramatic effects in men. First, the law “converts” or “restores” the soul. Second, the testimony of the Lord imparts wisdom. (Believer’s Study Bible)

Questions to Ponder
1. How important is it that our prayers be uttered in light of God’s revelation?
2. In what ways can we, in prayer, acknowledge the works and words of God?
3. What does “nature” reveal about God?
4. Can we pray for God to act on our behalf if we ignore or refuse to obey his word?