God’s word is a treasure filled with fine riches that teach us about the God who created us and how to live in a way that pleases Him. Often, we can disconnect God’s word with our lives and make reading His word a mere intellectual pursuit or religious practice.
Psalm 119 is a beautiful prayer that asks God to deeply connect the psalmist’s life with the word of God. One of the repeated phrases the psalmist prays is for God to teach him his statutes, which appears in Psalm 119 at least ten times:
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! (Psalm 119:12)
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalm 119:18)
When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! (Psalm 119:26)
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. (Psalm 119:33)
The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes! (Psalm 119:64)
You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:68)
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. (Psalm 119:73)
Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:124)
I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! (Psalm 119:125)
Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:135)
Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word! (Psalm 119:169)
We would all be wiser to make these verses (and the whole psalm) our daily prayer and heart cry.
Teach me your statues, O God!
Do you desire to continually learn and be taught God’s word and statues? Does your heart yearn to be taught the path of God and to fix the gaze of your heart on Him?
Lord, cause us to continually grow in our understanding and learning of your statutes, making us wise and obedient to you. Cause us to fear your name and pursue an obedient and joyful life as Bible-saturated people who look to you for wisdom, grace, and life.
Teach us your statutes and may our lives be characterized by joyful obedience to your word and by demonstrating constant dependence on you.
And may you fill us increasingly with your Holy Spirit who alone can truly teach us your statutes.
