Psalm 19:7-14 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 19:7-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
Verse 8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
Verse 9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Verse 10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Verse 11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Verse 12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Verse 13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Verse 14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Devotion
"I ask the church to please pray with me. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer." This variation on Psalm 19:14 is how I begin my sermons. These words serve as a prayer that my proclamation will be faithful and that those gathered will be open to the word they are about to hear.
Today we hear the psalmist's words of instruction and promise. Verses 7-9 remind us of God's instruction for us—instruction for our well-being and the benefits that instruction provides. Verses 10-13 are our promise and prayer back to God. The psalmist's prayer is that the faithful will do all they can to live a life following God's instruction. Yet, we know we will stumble, we will fall, we will need redeeming. So it is our prayer that when we do, we will know that the Lord is right there reviving our soul.
Prayer
Lord, give us the strength and courage to follow your life-giving instructions. Yet, when we stray and misstep, may we quickly turn back to you, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.