God Speaks
The Psalmist Is Deeply Devoted to God and His Word, Determined to Obey Them
Verse of the Day: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow Your righteous laws. (Psalm 119:105-106 NIV 2011)
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Reflection
“[Psalm 119] is a Hebrew acrostic poem; there are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses in each stanza begins with its heading.” Footnote on page 567 in The One Year Pray for America Bible” (NLT) published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois.
PSALM 119
A prayer for We the People of the United States of America as a prayer-a-phrase of Psalm 119 using the New Living Translation by Tyndale Publishers.
Aleph
1. LORD God, please cause We the People of the United States of America to be joyful because we are people of integrity, who follow Your instructions, O LORD.
2. May We the People be joyful because we obey Your laws and search for You with all our hearts.
3. May We the People no longer compromise with evil. May we walk only in Your paths.
4. You have charged US to keep Your commandments carefully. Holy Spirit of God, work in our hearts so that we will be able to do this.
5. Oh, that our actions would consistently reflect Your decrees!
6. Then We the People will not be ashamed when we compare our lives with Your commands.
7. As We the People learn (and lean on) Your righteous regulations, we will thank You by living as we should.
8. As We the People determine to obey Your decrees (but falter and fail), please don’t give up on us!
Beth
9. May We the People of all ages return to purity (and truth) and stay pure by obeying Your word.
10. May We the People try hard to find You–don’t let US wander from Your commands.
11. May We the People hide Your word in our hearts (the control center of our being) that we might not sin against (offend) You.
12. May We the People praise You, O LORD; teach us Your decrees.
13. May We the People recite aloud (in public) all the regulations You have given us.
14. May We the People rejoice in Your laws as much as in riches.
15. May We the People study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways.
16. May We the People delight in Your decrees and not forget Your word.
Gimel
17. Please bring good to Your servants, that We the People may live and obey Your word.
18. Open our eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instructions.
19. We the People are only temporary residents on this earth. Don’t hide Your commands from US!
20. May We the People always be overwhelmed with a desire for Your regulations.
21. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from Your commands are cursed.
22. Don’t let them scorn and insult [those are trying to] obey Your laws.
23. Even [people in positions of authority or power] sit and speak against [those who seek to follow You]. but [these righteous ones] will continue to meditqte on Your decrees.
24. May Your laws please US; they give US wise advice.
Daleth
25. We the People lie [broken] in the dust; revive US by Your word.
26. May We the People tell You our plans, please answer US. Now teach US Your decrees.
27. Help US understand the meaning of You commandments, and We the People will meditate on Your wonderful deeds.
28. We the People weep with sorrow [over what is happening in our beloved nation]; encourage US by Your word.
29. Keep US from lying to ourselves [and each other]; give US the privilege of knowing [and living out] Your instructions.
30. May We the People choose to be faithful; may we be determined to live by Your regulations.
31. May We the People cling to Your laws. LORD, don’t let US be put to shame!
32. May We the People pursue Your commands, for You expand our understanding.
He
33. Please teach US Your decrees, O LORD; help US keep them to the end.
34. Give US understanding, and We the People will obey Your instructions; We the People will put them into practice with all our hearts [as we depend on Your Holy Spirit].
35. Make US walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where our happiness is found.
36. Give US an eagerness for Your laws rather than a love for money!
37. Turn our eyes from worthless things, and give US life through Your word [and in Your ways].
38. Reassure US of Your promise, made to those who fear You.
39. Help US abandon our shameful ways; for Your regulations are good.
40. May We the People long to obey Your commandments! Renew our lives with Your goodness.
Waw
41. LORD, give US Your unfailing love, the salvation that You promised US.
42. Then We the People can answer those who taunt US, for we trust in Your word.
43. Do not snatch Your word of truth from US, for Your regulations are our only hope.
44. May We the People keep on obeying Your instructions forever and ever.
45. [Then] We the People will walk in freedom, for we have devoted ourselves to Your commandments.
46. We the People will speak to kings about Your laws, and we will not be ashamed.
47. How We the People delight in Your commands! How we love them!
48. We the People honor and love Your commands. We meditate on Your decrees.
Zayin
49. Remember Your promise to US; it is our only hope.
50. Your promise revives US; it comforts us in all our troubles.
51. The proud hold US in utter contempt, but We the People will not turn from Your instructions.
52. [With the help of Your Spirit] We the People will meditate on Your age-old regulations; O LORD, they comfort US.
53. We the People [who follow You] become furious with the wicked, because they reject Your instructions.
54. Your decrees have been the theme of our songs wherever we have lived.
55. We the People reflect at night on who You are, O LORD; therefore, we obey Your instructions.
56. This is how We the People spend our lives: obeying Your commantments.
Heth
57. LORD, You are [our God]! We the People promise to obey Your words!
58. With all our hearts, We the People want Your blessings. Be merciful as You promised.
59. May We the People ponder the direction of our lives, and turn to follow Your laws.
60. May We the People hurry, without delay, to obey Your commands.
61. Evil people [are trying] to drag US into sin, but [may] We the People [be] firmly anchored in Your instructions
62. May We the People rise at midnight to thank You for Your just regulations.
63. May We the People be a friend to anyone who fears You–anyone who obeys Your commands.
64. O LORD, Your unfailing love fills the earth; teach Your decrees.
Teth
65. You have done many good things for We the People, LORD, Just as You promised.
66. We the People [many of US] believe in [or agree to live by] Your commands; now teach US good judgment and knowledge [even more important, wisdom].
67. We the People [have] wandered off; we deserve Your discipline. [After that may] we closely follow Your word.
68. You, O LORD, are good and do only good; teach US Your decrees.
69. Arrogant [evil] people smear US with lies, but in truth We the People will obey Your commandments with all our hearts.
70. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but We the People will delight in Your instructions.
71. May any suffering we endure result in something good for US [and/or others]; teach US Your decrees.
72. Your instructions are more valuable than [trillions] in gold and silver.
Yodh
73. You, LORD God, made US; You created US. Now give US the [good] sense to follow Your commands.
74. May all who fear You find in US a cause for joy, for We the People have put our hope in Your word.
75. We the People know, O LORD, that Your regulations are fair; You discipline US because we need it.
76. Now, let Your unfailing love comfort US, just as You promised US as Your servants.
77. Surround US with Your tender mercies so that We the People may live, for Your instructions [have become] our delight.
78. Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about US; meanwhile We the People will concentrate on Your commands.
79. Let US be united with all who fear You, with those who know [and obey] Your laws.
80. May We the People be blameless in keeping Your decrees; then we will never be ashamed.
Kaph
81. We the People are worn out waiting for Your rescue, but we [will] put our hope in Your word.
82. Our eyes are straining to see Your promises come true. When will You comfort US?
83. We the People are shriveling like a wineskin in the smoke [or like leaves in the fall], but may we not forget to obey Your decrees.
84. How long must we wait [for You to take action]? When will You punish those who are [disrespecting You and] persecuting US?
85. These arrogant people who hate Your instructions have dug deep pits to trap [people who seek to proclaim Your truth].
86. All Your commands are trustworthy. Protect [Your people] from those who hunt them down [or harm them] without cause.
87. They almost finished US off, but We the People refuse to abandon Your commands.
88. In Your unfailing love, spare our lives; then We the People can continue to obey Your laws.
Lamedh
89. Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven.
90. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth You created.
91. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves Your plans.
92. If Your instructions don’t sustain US with joy, We the People will die in our misery.
93. May We the People never forget Your commandments, for by them You give US life.
94. We the People are Yours; rescue US! May we work hard at obeying Your commandments.
95. Though the wicked hide along the way to kill US, may We the People quietly keep our minds on Your laws.
96. Even perfection has its limits, but Your commands have no limit.
Mem
97. O LORD God, may We the People love You instructions! May we think about them all day long.
98. Your commands make us wiser than our enemies, may they be our constant guide.
99. Yes, may We the People have more insight than our [elitist] “teachers,” for we are always thinking of Your laws.
100. We the People are even wiser than our elders [globalist leaders], for we [those who fear You] have strived to keep Your commandments.
101. May We the People refuse to walk on any evil path, so that we may remain obedient to Your word.
102. May We the People not turn away from [or ignore] Your regulations, for You have taught US well.
103. May We the People say, “How sweet Your words taste to US; they are sweeter than honey.”
104. Your commandments give US understanding; no wonder We the People hate every false way of life.
Nun
105. Your word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path.
106. We the People promised it in the past, may we promise it again: We the People will obey the LORD God’s righteous regulations.
107. Many of US have suffered much, O LORD; restore our lives again as You promised.
108. LORD, accept our offering of praise, and teach US Your regulations.
109. Our lives constantly hang in the balance, but don’t let US stop obeying Your instructions.
110. The wicked have set their traps for US, but may We the People determine not to turn from Your commandments.
111. May it be true: Your laws are our treasure; they are our heart’s delight.
112. May We the People be determined to keep Your decrees to the very end.
Samekh
113. May We the People hate those with divided loyalties, but may we love Your instructions.
114. You, O LORD, are our refuge and our shield; Your word is our [only] source of hope.
115. Get out of our lives, you evil-minded people, for We the People intend to obey the commands of our God.
116. LORD, sustain US as You promised, that We the People may live [in freedom to follow You]! Don’t let our hope be crushed.
117. Sustain US, and We the People will be rescued; then we will meditate continually on Your decrees.
118. But You, LORD, have rejected all who [intentionally] stray from Your decrees. They are only fooling themselves.
119. You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder We the People love to obey Your laws!
120. May We the People tremble in fear of [displeasing] You; may we stand in awe of Your regulations.
Ayin
121. Don’t leave US to the mercy of our enemies, when We the People have done what is just and right.
122. Please guarantee a blessing for US. Don’t let the arrogant oppress US!
123. May our eyes strain to see Your rescue, to see the truth of Your promise fulfilled.
124. May We the People proclaim, “We are Your servants.” Deal with US in unfailing love and teach US Your decrees.
125. Give discernment to US, Your servants; then We the People will understand Your laws.
126. LORD, it is time for You to act, for these evil people have violated Your instructions.
127. Truly, [You are turning many of] We the People to love Your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.
128. Each of Your commandments is right. That is why We the People hate every false way.
Pe
129. Your laws are wonderful. No wonder We the Peopleare being drawn to obey them!
130. The teaching of Your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.
131. May We the People pant with expectation, longing for Your commands.
132. Come and show US Your mercy, as You do for all who love Your name.
133. Guide our steps by Your word, so We the People will not be overcome by evil.
134. Ransom US from the oppression of evil people; then We the People can obey Your commands.
135. O LORD, look upon US with love; teach US Your decrees.
136. Rivers of tears gush from our eyes because people disobey Your instructions.
Tsadhe
137. O LORD, You are righteous, Your regulations are fair.
138. Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.
139. May We the People be overwhelmed with indignation, for our enemies have disregarded Your words.
140. Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why We the People [will come to] love them so much.
141. We the People are [considered] insignificant and despised, but [may] we not forget Your commandments.
142. Your justice is eternal, and Your instructions are perfectly true.
143. As pressure and stress bear down on US, [may] We the People find joy in Your commands.
144. Your laws are always right; help US to understand them so that We the People may live.
Qoph
145. May we pray with all our hearts; answer US, LORD! Then We the People will obey Your decrees.
146. We the People cry out to You; rescue US, that we may obey Your laws.
147. May We the People rise early, before the sun is up; may we cry out for help and put our hope in Your words.
148. May [many] stay awake through the night, thinking of Your promise.
149. In Your faithful love, O LORD, hear our cry; let US be revived by following Your regulations.
150. Lawless people are coming to attack US; they live far from Your instructions.
151. But You are near, O LORD, and all Your commands are true.
152. We the People have known from our earliest days that Your laws will last forever.
Resh
153. Look upon our suffering and rescue US, even though We the People have forgotten Your instructions.
154. [Lord Jesus, on the basis of Your life, death and resurrection] argue our case; take our side! Protect the lives of We the People
[even though we don’t deserve it. Not for our sakes, but for the sake of Your great name and to keep Your promises.]
155. The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with Your decrees.
156. LORD, how great is Your mercy; let US be revived by following Your regulations.
157. Many persecute and trouble US, yet may We the People not be swerved from following Your regulations.
158. Seeing these traitors makes US sick at heart, because they care nothing for Your word.
159. Draw We the People to love Your commandments, LORD. Give US new life because of Your unfailing love.
160. The very essence of Your words is truth; all Your just regulations will stand forever.
Shin
161. Powerful people harass US without cause, but may our hearts tremble only at Your word.
162. May We the People rejoice in Your word like one who discovers a great treasure.
163. May we hate and abhor all falsehood, but may We the People love Your instructions.
164. Then We the People will praise You seven times a day because all Your regulations are just.
165. Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble [and are not easily offended].
166. We the People long for Your rescue, LORD, help US to obey Your commands.
167. May We the People obey Your laws because we love You so much.
168. Yes, may We the People obey Your commandments and laws because You know everything we do.
Taw
169. O LORD, listen to our cry; give US the discerning mind You promised.
170. Listen to our prayer; rescue US as You promised.
171. Let praise flow from our lips, for You have taught US Your decrees.
172. May our tongues sing about Your word, for all Your commands are right.
173. Give US a helping hand, for We the People have chosen to follow your commandments.
174. O LORD, We the People have longed for Your rescue, and Your instructions have become our delight.
175. Let US live so We the People can praise You, and may Your regulations help us.
176. We the People have wandered away like lost sheep; come and find US, for we have forgotten Your commands.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Psalm 119?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will pray for my nation using Psalm 119 as a guide;
- I will delight myself in the LORD and His word daily.
- I will memorize Psalm 119:105 so that I can use God’s word to illuminate myy path in life.
- I will follow the advice given in Psalm 119:9-11 and meditate on scripture so that I can make and keep my life pure.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.