Requests

Ps. 86:11

Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

It is exciting to see the relationship of the request with the character of God. On many of his requests, David has a for clause that explains why God should honor his request. Often his clause is rooted in the character of God, or in some cases, in his deep and overwhelming need. 

•  Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
• Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you--you are my God.
• Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.
• Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
• Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
• Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 
• For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
• O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. 
• But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
• Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 
• Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

I also notice that David is not having a philosophical discussion with God, but instead he is asking specifically for help. His requests are all action verbs. He wants God to move and act in his life. Not only that, but he wants God to show him a sign of His favor. It is like he knows the help might not come until later, but he needs the sign now. It is something to reassure him that God has heard, and in His time, will act.

I especially think verse 11 is insightful. David desires to be taught so that he might walk in God's ways. But how? He asks for his heart to be united to fear God. A united heart has only one focus. It is not split apart with each part going a different direction. In mine case, I want  my heart to singularly fear God and nothing else. If I am unified on Him, then I will be seeing the world and my life from His point of view. I will be seeking His perspective not mine. 

Father,

Unite my heart to fear Your name. Help me not only to rest in Your sovereign plan and purpose but also to see the world through Your eyes. 

In Jesus name,

Amen