Qoph: Meditating on the Law

David’s prayer was not an attempt to placate his Lord with words; rather, David was sincere when he prayed (Psalm 119:145). Even before the sun arose in the morning, he could be found on his knees in prayer. “I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word” (v. 147). In this, he was no different than Jesus Christ, our Divine Example.

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he [Jesus] went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35).

“Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word” (Psalm 119:148). “The psalmist likens himself to one listed for duty during these night watches. Before the time of his appointment he is awake and meditating upon God’s Word.” Often our prayers are not worded in such a way that God can or should grant them.

Sometimes, in human wisdom, we ask for things that would not be beneficial if granted. At times, we ask for the healing of a friend or family member when, in God’s mercy, such should not be the case. We, like David, should ask God to grant us our prayer requests according to His will and not ours. “We should ask God to answer our prayers not according to our desires but in the light of His all-wise providence.” Christ taught His disciples to pray thus, “Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2). David contrasts the wicked with the faithful.

“They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth” (Psalm 119:150, 151).

The faithful trust that God is only a prayer away.

“No child of God in affliction ever cries to the Lord in vain. God may not grant the desired deliverance, but He will provide courage and faith to endure the test.” “Come, Thou almighty King, / Help us Thy name to sing, / Help us to praise! / Father all glorious, / O’er all victorious, / Come, and reign over us, / Ancient of Days.”