Psalm 119:33-40
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees
and not to selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
be gracious to me according to your word.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness be gracious to me.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Praying for understanding is a bit like praying for patience – a little bit goes a long way. And yet, in order to ask God for understanding, we have to set aside our need to be right. We have to admit that we don’t know everything. That takes quite a bit of humility.
So often in life, we talk across each other, or work at cross purposes, without even realizing that we’re completely missing the point. When we pray for understanding, God shuts our mouths and opens our ears for awhile. As we listen, not just with our ears, but with our hearts, we learn what it is that others truly want and need from us. This is true with other people and it’s also true with God…
Prayer: Lord God: I like to think I know what I should be saying and doing. So often, I get it completely wrong. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. AMEN