Eight Prayer Prompts

Psalm 119:33–40 ESV

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

1. Teach me the way of your statutes

Psalm 119:33 ESV

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.

Statute: A prescribed way of living

2. Give me understanding of your Law

Psalm 119:34 ESV

Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

Law: God’s words about God’s ways. - John Piper

3. Lead me in the path of your commandments

Psalm 119:35 ESV

Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

Commandments: Commands for moral and ceremonial purity.

4. Incline my heart to your testimonies

Psalm 119:36 ESV

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!

Incline: produce motivation

Testimonies: a witness to the truth

5. Turn my eyes from worthless things

Psalm 119:37 ESV

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

Worthless Things: Anything that distracts you from God and His ways.

6. Confirm to me your promise

Psalm 119:38 ESV

Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.

Confirm: Make it completely obvious and evident.

7. Turn away the shame sin might bring

Psalm 119:39 ESV

Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.

Sin: Something that offends God’s holiness.

Intentional or unintentional

The Psalmist is essentially saying he doesn’t want to dishonor God or make God look bad.

8. Give me life in your righteousness

Psalm 119:40 ESV

Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

Righteousness: The state of being in the right and completely pure and good.

Every single one of these prayer items shows a dependence upon God for Him to supernaturally transform us!