A Prayer for Life

Psalm 119 never ceases to amaze me. What a fountain of truth for the thirsty soul.

Some day I hope to meet the man who wrote it. Charles Spurgeon makes a compelling case for King David as the author. I’m inclined to agree that “This is David’s spoil” (The Treasury of David).

There are many wonderful prayers in the Bible’s longest chapter. I especially like the short ones – literally two or three words.

Here’s one of my favorites:

“Give me life.”

Note how often the psalmist prays this prayer – at least seven times:

My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
Psalm 119:25

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
Psalm 119:37

Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
Psalm 119:40

In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Psalm 119:88

I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
Psalm 119:107

Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
Psalm 119:154

Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
Psalm 119:156

Here are a few questions for your reflection:

1. The psalmist made this request repeatedly. What kind(s) of life do you think he was praying for? Spiritual, eternal, physical, temporal? Note how the rest of each verse can shed light on this question.
2. In light of the phrase “according to,” how did the author view the relationship between God’s life and God’s Word? (See verses 25, 107, 154, 156.)
3. The psalmist also tells us that God answered this prayer: “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life” (v. 93). “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life” (v. 50). Why, then, does he keep praying this prayer?
4. Do you ever need to pray this 3-word prayer? Why or why not?
5. What other questions or insights do you have about these verses?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these questions, so go ahead and leave a comment below.

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Wayne Davies

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