A Prayer about Panting for God’s Word

Righteous and Holy God,

We want the words of the Psalmist 

to be true of us: 

we want to long desperately for your commandments 

as dogs drool over their morning meal. 

We want to sing with the Psalmist: 

“Your testimonies are wonderful; 

therefore my soul keeps them” (Psalm 119:129). 

In our hearts, as we read your Word, 

we see your holiness and justice and your mercy and grace. 

And yet, we are often blinded by the darkness of our own sin, 

vision clouded by cataracts of fallen world living. 

Then we are like fools, 

stumbling around in darkness, 

forgetting to ask Alexa to turn on the lights. 

Then we desperately need “the unfolding of your words” 

to give us “light,” 

to “impart understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).  

We sing with the Psalmist, 

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, 

as is your way with those who love your name” (Psalm 119: 132). 

In the name of our merciful Savior we ask. Amen.

Read Psalm 119:129-136.

Want to read more about thanking God while we live in the “already” and “not yet”? I’ve begun two new newsletters on Substack, one on living in hope in the already and not yet, and the other on aging, caregiving, and the end of life. Please check them both out!