Psalm 119:33-40 First Read...

Often people refer to the Psalms as a place to pray. "Take a Psalm and pray it back to God". This is a great way to stay biblical in your prayer. It is also a great way to only pray religious words that have no impact on your heart if you're not careful. Prayer is the heart calling out to God. An aching, worshipful, thankful heart speaking to its Creator and Savior. Psalm 119:33-40 is a great Psalm to think about, understand, and pray through.

Look at the motive of the prayer:
119:33 - "Teach me, O Lord...
119:34 - "Give me understanding...help me keep it with all my heart
119:35 - "Make me walk in Thy path...

This is a student that is coming to the classroom of scripture ready to learn. His hand is out and his mind is ready and "tuned in". He wants to learn. He sees the benefit of what he will receive. He isn't playing games... he's finally serious and ready to do what it takes to learn from the Master. Both verses 33 and 34 he says; "I shall observe it". He plans to put what he learns into action... This is where we need to be every morning when we wake up and start a new day with God...

How do we get here? How do we get to where we can say; "I delight in it"?

We start by praying this:
119:36 - "Incline my heart to Thy testimonies, and not to dishonest gain."
119:37 - "Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity...
119:38 - "...produce, in me, reverence for Thee
119:39 - "Turn away my reproach..."
119:40 - "...revive me through righteousness"

This is where we must begin before we are ready to say "Lord, teach me..."

The foundation is first poured in the heart before the mind can be developed and built up properly.  If the heart isn't right the mind will not stand...
-scott