Praying Through: Psalm 34:11-14

The Psalm

Psalm 34 (CSB)
11 Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Who is someone who desires life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.

14 Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.

The Prayer

My All-Good

My lips have spoken evil

  • because my heart was filled with wickedness.

My eyes saw lustful things

  • because my heart was filled with sin.

My ears desired fleshy things

  • because my heart was filled with cancer.

How can I even see good

  • when I filled with evil and contempt?
  • How can I even keep my tongue from evil and deceit
  • when all I know is sin.
  • How can I turn away from evil
  • when all I have done is chase after my gods.

But you alone are good

  • you alone bring peace
  • and I dare not pursue you
  • until you first capture me
  • exchanged my heart
  • gave me your faith
  • gave me sight
  • opened my ears
  • changed my mind
  • and gave me new desires.

Oh Lord,

  • in your steadfast love
  • grace upon grace
  • and daily mercies
  • capture my heart
  • again and again
  • keep my eyes on you
  • and keep your precious word
  • in my heart
  • so that I will not sin against you.

Now, tomorrow and forever more.

I love you, Lord.