Main Thought:
This last section of Psalm 119 emphasizes the interaction between our words (prayer) and God’s word. The faithful person looks to God’s word for direction and salvation. On this day we thank God for His grace to Martin Luther on the anniversary of His death.
Psalm 119:169–176 ת
Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
Prayer
Lord, You are good and gracious, and most heartily do we thank You that You have granted us to read and to hear this song in which You commend to us Your heavenly Word. And now prepare a place for it in our hearts, that it may shine in us as a light, dispelling the night of unbelief and sin, and filling our souls with the love of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
A prayer for the commemoration of reformer Martin Luther
O God, our refuge and our strength, You raised up Your servant Martin Luther to reform and renew Your Church in the light of Your living Word, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Defend and purify the Church in our own day, and grant that we may boldly proclaim Christ’s faithfulness unto death and His vindicating resurrection, which You made known to Your servant Martin through Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.