A Humble Plea for Guidance
Today’s Verse:
Psalm 139:24 NIV
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting
Over the past week, I’ve been reading Psalm 139 almost regularly, studying the immensity of the words written by David. This psalm is a powerful song of God's all-knowing presence and intimate care. It explores the depths of who we are, from our conception to our thoughts, words, and actions. Verse 24, "See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," is a humble and honest plea that resonates with every believer.
We live in a world filled with temptations and distractions that can easily lead us astray. Our sinful nature often pulls us in directions contrary to God's will. We can rationalize our actions, blind ourselves to our faults, and wander down paths that lead to destruction. Therefore, David's prayer is one of vital self-awareness and dependence on God.
"See if there is any offensive way in me." This isn't a casual request. It's a cry from the heart, acknowledging our frailty and the potential for hidden sin. We ask God, who sees all things, to search us, to examine our motives, and to reveal any ungodly attitudes or actions that we might be blind to. It's a prayer for conviction, not condemnation, but for the kind of loving correction that leads to repentance and growth.
"Lead me in the way everlasting." Acknowledging our need for guidance, we ask God to direct our steps. We don't just want to be aware of our sin; we want to turn from it and walk in the path of righteousness. "The way everlasting" speaks of a life lived according to God's will, which leads to true and lasting joy, both now and in eternity. It's a path of grace, a journey of faith, a walk with Christ.
We understand that we are justified by grace through faith, not by our own works. This prayer isn't about earning God's favor. Instead, it flows from a heart that has already received God's grace and desires to live in a way that honors Him. It's a prayer for sanctification, for the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to conform us more and more to the image of Christ.
Let us then, like David, humbly ask God to search us, to reveal any offensive way within us, and to lead us in the way everlasting. Let us trust in His love and guidance, knowing He desires our growth and eternal good.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord, You know me better than I know myself. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 1 In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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