Psalm 119 (vv145-160) English Standard Version (ESV) Qoph – The truth of God’s Word­ 145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!     I will keep your statutes. 146 I call to you; save me,     that I may observe your testimonies. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;     I hope in your words. 148 My eyes are awake before the watches…

Pe – The Wonder of God’s Word­ 129 Your testimonies are wonderful;     therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light;     it imparts understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant,     because I long for your commandments. 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,     as is your way with those who love your name. 133 Keep steady…

Samekh – The Reverence God’s Word Inspires­ 113 I hate the double-minded,     but I love your law. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield;     I hope in your word. 115 Depart from me, you evildoers,     that I may keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,     and let me not be put to shame in my hope!…

Mem – The Sweetness of God’s Word­ 97 Oh how I love your law!     It is my meditation all the day. 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,     for it is ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,     for your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged,     for I keep your precepts. 101 I hold back…

Kaph – The Reliability of God’s Word­ 81 My soul longs for your salvation;     I hope in your word. 82 My eyes long for your promise;     I ask, “When will you comfort me?” 83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,     yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 84 How long must your servant endure?     When will you judge those who persecute…

Teth – Confidence in God’s Word­ 65 You have dealt well with your servant,     O Lord, according to your word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,     for I believe in your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,     but now I keep your word. 68 You are good and do good;     teach me your statutes. 69 The insolent smear me with…

Zayin – God’s Word as a Source of Hope­ 49 Remember your word to your servant,     in which you have made me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction,     that your promise gives me life. 51 The insolent utterly deride me,     but I do not turn away from your law. 52 When I think of your rules from of old,     I take…

He – Loytal Commitment to God’s Word­ 33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;     and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law     and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,     for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to your…

Gimel – An Appreciation of God’s Word­ 17 Deal bountifully with your servant,     that I may live and keep your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold     wondrous things out of your law. 19 I am a sojourner on the earth;     hide not your commandments from me! 20 My soul is consumed with longing     for your rules at all times.…

Reading Psalm 119   ­  This is the longest psalm in the Bible. It contains a series of eight-line meditations based on each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalm celebrates a revelation which brings delight, because each fresh word from God reveals not just information but its author.   ­  Here…