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“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and My Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Like me, many of you have likely heard this verse prayed during a worship service. Preachers will pray it just before they begin their sermon. It is a good practice; I’ve done it many times myself. We preachers will also pray such a prayer when we are in our studies preparing sermons or devotions.

But have you ever prayed this prayer? I assume most of you are not preachers, yet I ask you this question. Have you prayed this prayer for yourself? How often have you asked the Holy Spirit to sanctify ‘the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart so that they are pleasing to God’?

It is unlikely that this psalm was originally prayed by a preacher. The NIV editors ascribe it to David. The psalm headings are not considered part of the inspired Word of God; thus, we readily admit they might be wrong. This psalm is included in Israel’s song book to be prayed by all, including all of us. That includes you.

How did the psalmist come to give voice to this prayer? Let’s take a quick look. This song can easily be divided into three stanzas. The first, verses 1-6, is a magnificent poem detailing how the natural world exudes with the glory of God.

The Belgic Confession, Article 2, teaches us that the creation is one of the two ways that we get to know God. It takes its cue from Psalm 19. We can learn much of God's grandeur, greatness, creativity, and providential care if we spend time in God's creation, observing it.

We can easily imagine, David the shepherd, alone at night with his father’s sheep mesmerized by the moon and stars and in the morning watching the sun creep over the horizon warming the air.

The second part of the prayer, verses 7-10, takes delight in the spoken and written words of God which give direction for living in covenant relationship with the Lord. This psalmist recognized that there are different ways in which we might live. Moral choices must constantly be made. The psalmist declares that God's ways are the absolute best.

Moreover, these words are life, they are refreshing like cool streams of water. They give guidance among the confusing choices of the day and reassurance for the fretting which interrupts our sleep. They offer forgiveness and the courage to forgive. God’s kindness is on display moving us towards mercy.

Having feasted on God’s glory displayed in God’s creation and in God’s word, beginning in verse 11, the psalm concludes with a personal reflection on these two great sources of info for God. This composer wants her life to measure up to God's standard. Notice, it is only after she has spent time with both God's creation and Word that she moves to this conclusion. I highly recommend the psalmist's pattern.

We are invited to stand in awe of God. Not just of God's greatness and majesty, but also of God's mercy and grace. We can ask for forgiveness and the grace to lead a blameless life. Surely this is a prayer that we all ought to pray.