“Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.” Psalm 119:108
This passage is convicting. I have to ask myself, how do I start my prayers? Do I praise God from whom all mercies flow, or do I immediately go into the help me and heal me mode?
Prayer always needs to begin with praise. Not because God needs His ego boosted, but because we need our hearts boosted. We need to remind ourselves of His mercy and goodness, of His past promises and how He has led us through times of trouble and trial in the past. We need a refresher course to recall exactly Who it is we are speaking with – the Lord Almighty, The Alpha and Omega, The King of Kings, the Creator, the Provider, the Comforter, Our Father who art in Heaven whose very name is Holy.
When I begin by praising God, I step out of myself and my woes and see the big picture. It puts me in the right frame of mind. Only then can He teach me. Only then can I confess my sins and receive His mercy. Only then can I welcome Him once again into my life.
How do you start your prayers? It’s something we all need to consider.
Heavenly Lord, I praise you with my lips and my heart and soul. Unworthy as I am, You in Your Grace call me into fellowship. You are my Teacher, Protector, Guide and Comfort. You are the Creator of all. You know all and are above all things, yet You choose to lower Yourself to hear my humble prayers. You are slow to anger, compassionate and long suffering with me. Forgive me for doing my own will instead of Yours, and receive my prayers today through Your Son. Amen
“O, Lord open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” Psalm 51:15
“I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” Psalm 86:12
