God! My God! It’s you—I search for you! My whole being thirsts for you! My body desires you in a dry and tired land, no water anywhere.Yes, I’ve seen you in the sanctuary; I’ve seen your power and glory. My lips praise you because your faithful love is better than life itself![1]
I praise you seven times a day for your righteous rules.The people who love your Instruction enjoy peace—and lots of it. There’s no stumbling for them![2]
How can young people keep their paths pure? By guarding them according to what you’ve said.[3]
Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths.Lead me in your truth—teach it to me—because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long.[4]
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep close watch over the door that is my lips.[5]
Keep my steps steady by your word; don’t let any sin rule me.[6]
Who can live in your tent, Lord? Who can dwell on your holy mountain? The person who lives free of blame, does what is right, and speaks the truth sincerely; who does no damage with their talk, does no harm to a friend, doesn’t insult a neighbor;someone who despises those who act wickedly, but who honors those who honor the Lord; someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts;someone who doesn’t lend money with interest, who won’t accept a bribe against any innocent person. Whoever does these things will never stumble.[7]
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you Lord, my rock and my redeemer.[8]
Paraphrase of A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie ©1949 Charles Scribner's Sons
