Read: James 3:3-12; Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
The words of Psalm 19:14 are another prayer that pastors often use in worship, especially before the preaching of the Word. We often call it the Prayer of Illumination because we are asking that God would shine light on our lives through his Word.
Preaching carries with it a huge responsibility, so it is certainly an appropriate time to pray this prayer. Preachers are given the responsibility of interpreting God’s Word accurately and clearly so that the people know what God’s will is for their lives. Such a task should without question be given over to prayer. It is saying, “Lord, as I stand here in the pulpit, help me say what you want me to say.”
But we could also take this prayer and use it in a more general way. As James points out, the tongues in our mouths can do a lot of damage. He calls the tongue “a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body” (v. 6 NIV), and “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (v. 8).
Our words can hurt others and destroy relationships. Ironically, what can be used to praise God can also curse others. So we need to pray this prayer from Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
As you pray, ask God to use your words to bless others.
About the Author
Rev. John C. Koedyker is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He has served as a missionary to Japan as well as pastor of several churches in Iowa and Michigan. Until recently he served Muskegon Classis as its Stated Clerk for 18 years. He resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
