Psalms 86
Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalms 86:11 NKJV
This verse can be used as a powerful prayer, as it reveals two very important things that we should be consistently asking God for. Routinely praying this way will help us to revitalize our prayer life, strengthen our relationship with Him, and help us to focus on the eternal instead of the earthly.
1. We should be asking God to teach us His ways, and then be willing to follow and obey what He wants us to do or change. “Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long” (Psalm 25:5). When we open our hearts to receive what God wants us to learn, this allows the Holy Spirit to work within us. God’s message may come to us as an idea during prayer and meditation, through our consciences, through circumstances, or through other people, but most commonly it comes through revelation while studying God’s Word. As we read the Bible, it is important to remember that these are not just letters printed on a page. They are living words. The fact that the Bible was written thousands of years ago does not diminish its influence or power in the least. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Trusting in the Word of God changes everything – the way we view life, the way we live, and the choices we make. We need to make sure to pay close attention when we are studying the Bible and spending time with our Heavenly Father. Take the time to listen for His voice – because if God is trying to tell us something, we don’t want to miss it!
2. We should ask God to help us keep Him as our primary focus. There are so many things in life that try to distract us from what is most important: knowing God and following His ways. Staying focused on God does not mean that we have to spend the majority of our day in Bible Study and prayer. It does not mean that other things in life are unimportant. It does mean that we acknowledge that our day will not be complete without Him. It means that we give thanks to Him throughout the day for provision and blessings and protection. It does mean that we deliberately and consistently make allotments in our schedules for time with Him and His Word. It also means that we bring our problems to Him and we trust in His timing and His plans. It means that we are faithful with our service to Him and His Kingdom, and that we use our gifts for His glory, not ours.
Ultimately, it means that we honor and obey this Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).