Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 772)
1 Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep his statutes still!
Oh, that my God would grant me grace
To know and do his will!
2 Order my footsteps by your Word
And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.
3 Assist my soul, too apt to stray,
A stricter watch to keep;
And should I e’er forget your way,
Restore your wand’ring sheep.
4 Make me to walk in your commands,
‘Tis a delightful road;
Nor let my head or heart or hands
Offend against my God.
Text: Isaac Watts; Music: William H. Havergal; Public Domain
Devotion
This hymn, drawing inspiration from Psalm 119, emphasizes a life of holiness and blessing that we receive through God when we live it through hearts filled with God’s Word as the living breath of wisdom for lives of righteousness. (see 2 Timothy 3:15-17) It teaches us that the Word of God is the breath of God, filling us with wisdom on living lives of righteousness. It equips us for every good work (see 2 Timothy 3:15–17).
The psalmist writes:
You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes! (vss. 4-5)
The Hebrew word translated as “precept” means “a thing appointed” or a mandate. God is pointing God’s hand toward a direction that we should follow. To follow, we need to acknowledge that we can only do so with God’s help. This hymn is a prayer to God beseeching the Almighty for the help that we need to walk God’s path.
Prayer
O most holy and gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son, and for the Holy Spirit within each of us. We pray that you will continue to guide us along your path. Your Word is sufficient to make us wise, and trains us in righteousness, equipping us for every good work. Amen.