Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to your decrees and not to selfish gain. Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; be gracious to me according to your word. Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you. Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good. See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness be gracious to me. ~ Psalm 119:33-40
What a prayer this is! Work on me, God! Get me to where I need to be!
There's a thirst here to please God, as well as a deep humility that growth, and faith, and righteousness come from God.
There's a lot here to ask of God: teach, turn, give, lead, confirm. But all of these are asked so that the Psalmist can be of service to God.
So often my prayers are for things like healing or a good medical outcome for someone, safety for myself or a family member.
Sometimes my prayers are simply for a good vacation. Or that someone finds a job. Or that I might get to see a loved one.
Or that God would turn someone's hardened heart.
I don't always remember to ask God to work on my hardened heart.
Our faith isn't meant to be stagnant. We are meant to continue to grow.
And that means change. It means guidance. It means remembering to ask God to push us when we need pushing.
It means that we are ever ready to be molded by God so that we can be set free to be the people we are meant to be.
Work on me, God! Get me to where I need to be! Amen