Psalm 19: Praying Through The Psalms

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge (Ps 19:1-2).

Heavenly Father, the heavens declare your glory. The word declare in Hebrew, מְֽסַפְּרִ֥ים, means to take account of or reckon. There is this divine assurance that you created the universe—and the created order is unveiling your handiwork. For day after day, your infinite wisdom is revealed.

The word knowledge, דָּֽעַת, also indicates your perception and skill. This is why the apostle Paul pronounced in his epistle to the Romans: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse (Rom. 1:20).”

They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun (Ps 19:3-4).

Gracious Redeemer, though the stars have no speech, words, or sound—their handiwork displays the amazing gifts you have as an artist and intelligent Creator. At night, when I stare into numerous galaxies, I am humbled and delighted by your steadfast love.

For if you pitch a tent for the sun—if you created a tabernacle, אֹ֥הֶל or dwelling for the star in this solar system, how much more have you created a home for us in heaven? Praise be to God.

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of it’s warm (Ps. 19:5-6).

Sovereign Lord, the picture you have created for us in the solar system is remarkable. For when we see the brilliance of the sun, like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course—all I can think of is the glorious day you will marry your Church.

For just as the sun rises from one end to the other and nothing can stop it, so will you too come from the heavenly realms to take us home with you. On that great day, there will be no more mourning or weeping. You will cast away all our sins, give us new bodies, and we will dwell with you forevermore.

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes (Ps. 19:7-8).

Righteous Father, your law is perfect. It refreshes the soul. Your precepts bring joy to my heart. I know that I can trust in your Word—for it is a lamp unto my feet. Your Word is a stream of living water that bears much fruit. A fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

Creator, your statutes are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Before I was converted, I was unwise and lost. I didn’t understand my purpose in life. There was no true direction. However, when you implanted your Word into my mind, I was able to walk the straight and narrow way. Thank you for giving me fresh new eyes to see.

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb (Ps. 19:9-10).

Holy Father, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). The Hebrew word for fear here, יִרְאַ֤ת, literally means awesome and terrifying. Your holiness is what produces fear in our soul, but it’s a healthy fear of reverence and respect.

O Lord, your decrees are firm and righteous. You know exactly where you are going. The commandments you establish are more precious than gold. They are even sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. There is nothing in all of creation that can compare to your wonderous being. Praise be to your glorious name forever and ever.

By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Ps. 19:11-14).

Righteous King, when we obey your decrees, there is great reward. For it prevents us from the broad road that leads to destruction and keeps us entering through the narrow gate of life (Matt. 7:13). Despite knowing your righteous commandments, my flesh still wars against my soul.

Please, deliver me from my willful sins—may they not rule over me. Help me to overcome my transgressions. I know the Bible says no temptation has overtaken us except what is common to mankind. And that you are faithful—not allowing us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, but providing a way of escape so we can endure through (1 Cor. 10:13).

Heavenly Savior, when your Spirit gives us the power to overcome temptation, we will be free. O Lord, when we trust in Jesus your Son—we become blameless and innocent of our transgressions. Thanks for providing us redemption through Christ. For it is by grace we are saved through faith. It is a gift of God, not of works (Eph. 2:8-9).

Lord, you are my rock and redeemer. You are the way, the truth, and the life. You are the shepherd and bishop of my soul. For you are the bread of life that came down from heaven. All of my righteousness is found in you alone. Praise be to your glorious name!

Prayer commentary by Chad A. Damitz (M.Div)