Psalm 119:25–48

Determination to Obey the Law of the

²⁵I lie defeated in the dust;

revive me, as you have promised.

²⁶I confessed all I have done, and you answered me;

teach me your ways.

²⁷Help me to understand your laws,

and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings.^a

²⁸I am overcome by sorrow;

strengthen me, as you have promised.

²⁹Keep me from going the wrong way,

and in your goodness teach me your law.

³⁰I have chosen to be obedient;

I have paid attention to your judgements.

³¹I have followed your instructions, Lord;

don’t let me be put to shame.

³²I will eagerly obey your commands,

because you will give me more understanding.

A Prayer for Understanding

³³Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your laws,

and I will obey them at all times.

³⁴Explain your law to me, and I will obey it;

I will keep it with all my heart.

³⁵Keep me obedient to your commandments,

because in them I find happiness.

³⁶Give me the desire to obey your laws

rather than to get rich.

³⁷Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless;

be good to me, as you have promised.

³⁸Keep your promise to me, your servant—

the promise you make to those who obey you.

³⁹Save me from the insults I fear;

how wonderful are your judgements!

⁴⁰I want to obey your commands;

give me new life, for you are righteous.

Trusting the Law of the

⁴¹Show me how much you love me, Lord,

and save me according to your promise.

⁴²Then I can answer those who insult me

because I trust in your word.

⁴³Enable me to speak the truth at all times,

because my hope is in your judgements.

⁴⁴I will always obey your law,

for ever and ever.

⁴⁵I will live in perfect freedom,

because I try to obey your teachings.

⁴⁶I will announce your commands to kings

and I will not be ashamed.

⁴⁷I find pleasure in obeying your commands,

because I love them.

⁴⁸I respect and love your commandments;

I will meditate on your instructions.