Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Psalm 119:17-24
ג Gimel

Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands. Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

Quoting Isaiah, the apostle Paul wrote, “’What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10a). God’s Spirit knows God’s thoughts; so when the believer reads God’s word it is the Spirit, living within us, who reveals God’s words and thoughts to us.

Today’s passage, then, is a pre-Bible reading prayer. Our minds can be distracted. We can simply read the Bible to check off that day’s passage from our “Read Through the Bible” guide. To help you focus, prior to opening God’s word I encourage you to pray the following prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your word, Your love letter to me. Thank You for the privilege of opening it and reading it. I admit to You that I am in a hurry. I am busy and distracted, so please slow me down. Help me focus. Keep distractions away. Help me listen for things in Your word that I need to hear. Use Your word to point out areas of sin that I need to confess. Open my eyes to blind spots that I keep missing. Show me where I am off track. Open my eyes to a biblical perspective of where I am and where I should be. Instruct me regarding business interactions. Help me understand and apply Your instructions that will guide my morning meetings. Instruct me regarding relationships. Open my eyes to hear from You regarding the person I am dating (if single) or my spouse (if married). I desire to be a godly parent. Open my eyes to see in Your word needed instruction that will help me raise my children. Lord, I desire to know You more fully and deeply. Speak to me in a new and fresh way through Your Word. Father, please open my eyes to see Your wonderful truths.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.