Read the Westminster Standards in a year.

Shorter Catechism

Q 103. What do we pray for in the third petition?

A. In the third petition, which is, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven, we pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things,1 as the angels do in heaven.2

Larger Catechism

Q 192. What do we pray for in the third petition?

A. In the third petition, (which is, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,3) acknowledging, that by nature we and all men are not only utterly unable and unwilling to know and do the will of God,4 but prone to rebel against his Word,5 to repine and murmur against his providence,6 and wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh, and of the devil:7 we pray, that God would by his Spirit take away from ourselves and others all blindness,8 weakness,9 indisposedness,10 and perverseness of heart;11 and by his grace make us able and willing to know, do, and submit to his will in all things,12 with the like humility,13 cheerfulness,14 faithfulness,15 diligence,16 zeal,17 sincerity,18 and constancy,19 as the angels do in heaven.20


  1. Psalm 19:14

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

    Psalm 119

    119:1  Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
    Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,
    who also do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
    You have commanded your precepts
    to be kept diligently.
    Oh that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes!
    Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
    I will praise you with an upright heart,
    when I learn your righteous rules.
    I will keep your statutes;
    do not utterly forsake me!

    How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
    With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
    I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
    Blessed are you, O Lord;
    teach me your statutes!
    With my lips I declare
    all the rules of your mouth.
    In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
    I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
    I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.

    Deal bountifully with your servant,
    that I may live and keep your word.
    Open my eyes, that I may behold
    wondrous things out of your law.
    I am a sojourner on the earth;
    hide not your commandments from me!
    My soul is consumed with longing
    for your rules at all times.
    You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
    who wander from your commandments.
    Take away from me scorn and contempt,
    for I have kept your testimonies.
    Even though princes sit plotting against me,
    your servant will meditate on your statutes.
    Your testimonies are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

    My soul clings to the dust;
    give me life according to your word!
    When I told of my ways, you answered me;
    teach me your statutes!
    Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
    My soul melts away for sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word!
    Put false ways far from me
    and graciously teach me your law!
    I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I set your rules before me.
    I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
    let me not be put to shame!
    I will run in the way of your commandments
    when you enlarge my heart!

    Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep 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.
    Incline my heart to your testimonies,
    and not to selfish gain!
    Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.
    Confirm to your servant your promise,
    that you may be feared.
    Turn away the reproach that I dread,
    for your rules are good.
    Behold, I long for your precepts;
    in your righteousness give me life!

    Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
    your salvation according to your promise;
    then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
    for I trust in your word.
    And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
    for my hope is in your rules.
    I will keep your law continually,
    forever and ever,
    and I shall walk in a wide place,
    for I have sought your precepts.
    I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
    and shall not be put to shame,
    for I find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
    I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statutes.

    Remember your word to your servant,
    in which you have made me hope.
    This is my comfort in my affliction,
    that your promise gives me life.
    The insolent utterly deride me,
    but I do not turn away from your law.
    When I think of your rules from of old,
    I take comfort, O Lord.
    Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
    who forsake your law.
    Your statutes have been my songs
    in the house of my sojourning.
    I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
    and keep your law.
    This blessing has fallen to me,
    that I have kept your precepts.

    The Lord is my portion;
    I promise to keep your words.
    I entreat your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
    When I think on my ways,
    I turn my feet to your testimonies;
    I hasten and do not delay
    to keep your commandments.
    Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
    I do not forget your law.
    At midnight I rise to praise you,
    because of your righteous rules.
    I am a companion of all who fear you,
    of those who keep your precepts.
    The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
    teach me your statutes!

    You have dealt well with your servant,
    O Lord, according to your word.
    Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in your commandments.
    Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I keep your word.
    You are good and do good;
    teach me your statutes.
    The insolent smear me with lies,
    but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
    their heart is unfeeling like fat,
    but I delight in your law.
    It is good for me that I was afflicted,
    that I might learn your statutes.
    The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

    Your hands have made and fashioned me;
    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
    Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
    because I have hoped in your word.
    I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
    Let your steadfast love comfort me
    according to your promise to your servant.
    Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my delight.
    Let the insolent be put to shame,
    because they have wronged me with falsehood;
    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
    Let those who fear you turn to me,
    that they may know your testimonies.
    May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
    that I may not be put to shame!

    My soul longs for your salvation;
    I hope in your word.
    My eyes long for your promise;
    I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
    For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
    yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
    How long must your servant endure?
    When will you judge those who persecute me?
    The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
    they do not live according to your law.
    All your commandments are sure;
    they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
    They have almost made an end of me on earth,
    but I have not forsaken your precepts.
    In your steadfast love give me life,
    that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

    Forever, O Lord, your word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
    Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
    By your appointment they stand this day,
    for all things are your servants.
    If your law had not been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
    I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have given me life.
    I am yours; save me,
    for I have sought your precepts.
    The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
    but I consider your testimonies.
    I have seen a limit to all perfection,
    but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

    Oh how I love your law!
    It is my meditation all the day.
    Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
    for it is ever with me.
    I have more understanding than all my teachers,
    for your testimonies are my meditation.
    I understand more than the aged,
    for I keep your precepts.
    I hold back my feet from every evil way,
    in order to keep your word.
    I do not turn aside from your rules,
    for you have taught me.
    How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!
    Through your precepts I get understanding;
    therefore I hate every false way.

    Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.
    I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
    to keep your righteous rules.
    I am severely afflicted;
    give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
    Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
    and teach me your rules.
    I hold my life in my hand continually,
    but I do not forget your law.
    The wicked have laid a snare for me,
    but I do not stray from your precepts.
    Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
    for they are the joy of my heart.
    I incline my heart to perform your statutes
    forever, to the end.

    I hate the double-minded,
    but I love your law.
    You are my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in your word.
    Depart from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commandments of my God.
    Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
    and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
    Hold me up, that I may be safe
    and have regard for your statutes continually!
    You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
    for their cunning is in vain.
    All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
    therefore I love your testimonies.
    My flesh trembles for fear of you,
    and I am afraid of your judgments.

    I have done what is just and right;
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
    Give your servant a pledge of good;
    let not the insolent oppress me.
    My eyes long for your salvation
    and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
    Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
    and teach me your statutes.
    I am your servant; give me understanding,
    that I may know your testimonies!
    It is time for the Lord to act,
    for your law has been broken.
    Therefore I love your commandments
    above gold, above fine gold.
    Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
    I hate every false way.

    Your testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
    The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
    I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments.
    Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is your way with those who love your name.
    Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
    and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
    Redeem me from man’s oppression,
    that I may keep your precepts.
    Make your face shine upon your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
    My eyes shed streams of tears,
    because people do not keep your law.

    Righteous are you, O Lord,
    and right are your rules.
    You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
    and in all faithfulness.
    My zeal consumes me,
    because my foes forget your words.
    Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it.
    I am small and despised,
    yet I do not forget your precepts.
    Your righteousness is righteous forever,
    and your law is true.
    Trouble and anguish have found me out,
    but your commandments are my delight.
    Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    give me understanding that I may live.

    With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
    I will keep your statutes.
    I call to you; save me,
    that I may observe your testimonies.
    I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I hope in your words.
    My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate on your promise.
    Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
    O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
    They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
    they are far from your law.
    But you are near, O Lord,
    and all your commandments are true.
    Long have I known from your testimonies
    that you have founded them forever.

    Look on my affliction and deliver me,
    for I do not forget your law.
    Plead my cause and redeem me;
    give me life according to your promise!
    Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek your statutes.
    Great is your mercy, O Lord;
    give me life according to your rules.
    Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
    but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
    I look at the faithless with disgust,
    because they do not keep your commands.
    Consider how I love your precepts!
    Give me life according to your steadfast love.
    The sum of your word is truth,
    and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

    Princes persecute me without cause,
    but my heart stands in awe of your words.
    I rejoice at your word
    like one who finds great spoil.
    I hate and abhor falsehood,
    but I love your law.
    Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous rules.
    Great peace have those who love your law;
    nothing can make them stumble.
    I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
    and I do your commandments.
    My soul keeps your testimonies;
    I love them exceedingly.
    I keep your precepts and testimonies,
    for all my ways are before you.

    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.

    1 Thessalonians 5:23

    Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Hebrews 13:20-21

    Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

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  2. Psalm 103:20-21

    Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his word,
    obeying the voice of his word!
    Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
    his ministers, who do his will!

    Hebrews 1:14

    Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (ESV)

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  3. Matthew 6:10

    Your kingdom come,
    your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.

    Luke 11:2

    And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

    “Father, hallowed be your name.
    Your kingdom come.
    (ESV)

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  4. Romans 7:18

    For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

    Job 21:14

    They say to God, ‘Depart from us!
    We do not desire the knowledge of your ways.

    1 Corinthians 2:14

    The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV)

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  5. Romans 8:7

    For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. (ESV)

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  6. Exodus 17:7

    And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

    Numbers 14:2

    And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! (ESV)

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  7. Ephesians 2:2

    in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— (ESV)

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  8. Ephesians 1:17-18

    that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, (ESV)

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  9. Ephesians 3:16

    that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, (ESV)

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  10. Matthew 26:40-41

    And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (ESV)

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  11. Jeremiah 31:18-19

    I have heard Ephraim grieving,
    ‘You have disciplined me, and I was disciplined,
    like an untrained calf;
    bring me back that I may be restored,
    for you are the Lord my God.
    For after I had turned away, I relented,
    and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh;
    I was ashamed, and I was confounded,
    because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’ (ESV)

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  12. Psalm 19:14

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

    Acts 21:14

    And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

    Psalm 119

    119:1  Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
    Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,
    who also do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
    You have commanded your precepts
    to be kept diligently.
    Oh that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes!
    Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
    I will praise you with an upright heart,
    when I learn your righteous rules.
    I will keep your statutes;
    do not utterly forsake me!

    How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
    With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
    I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
    Blessed are you, O Lord;
    teach me your statutes!
    With my lips I declare
    all the rules of your mouth.
    In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
    I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
    I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.

    Deal bountifully with your servant,
    that I may live and keep your word.
    Open my eyes, that I may behold
    wondrous things out of your law.
    I am a sojourner on the earth;
    hide not your commandments from me!
    My soul is consumed with longing
    for your rules at all times.
    You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
    who wander from your commandments.
    Take away from me scorn and contempt,
    for I have kept your testimonies.
    Even though princes sit plotting against me,
    your servant will meditate on your statutes.
    Your testimonies are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

    My soul clings to the dust;
    give me life according to your word!
    When I told of my ways, you answered me;
    teach me your statutes!
    Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
    My soul melts away for sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word!
    Put false ways far from me
    and graciously teach me your law!
    I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I set your rules before me.
    I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
    let me not be put to shame!
    I will run in the way of your commandments
    when you enlarge my heart!

    Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep 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.
    Incline my heart to your testimonies,
    and not to selfish gain!
    Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.
    Confirm to your servant your promise,
    that you may be feared.
    Turn away the reproach that I dread,
    for your rules are good.
    Behold, I long for your precepts;
    in your righteousness give me life!

    Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
    your salvation according to your promise;
    then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
    for I trust in your word.
    And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
    for my hope is in your rules.
    I will keep your law continually,
    forever and ever,
    and I shall walk in a wide place,
    for I have sought your precepts.
    I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
    and shall not be put to shame,
    for I find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
    I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statutes.

    Remember your word to your servant,
    in which you have made me hope.
    This is my comfort in my affliction,
    that your promise gives me life.
    The insolent utterly deride me,
    but I do not turn away from your law.
    When I think of your rules from of old,
    I take comfort, O Lord.
    Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
    who forsake your law.
    Your statutes have been my songs
    in the house of my sojourning.
    I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
    and keep your law.
    This blessing has fallen to me,
    that I have kept your precepts.

    The Lord is my portion;
    I promise to keep your words.
    I entreat your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
    When I think on my ways,
    I turn my feet to your testimonies;
    I hasten and do not delay
    to keep your commandments.
    Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
    I do not forget your law.
    At midnight I rise to praise you,
    because of your righteous rules.
    I am a companion of all who fear you,
    of those who keep your precepts.
    The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
    teach me your statutes!

    You have dealt well with your servant,
    O Lord, according to your word.
    Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in your commandments.
    Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I keep your word.
    You are good and do good;
    teach me your statutes.
    The insolent smear me with lies,
    but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
    their heart is unfeeling like fat,
    but I delight in your law.
    It is good for me that I was afflicted,
    that I might learn your statutes.
    The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

    Your hands have made and fashioned me;
    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
    Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
    because I have hoped in your word.
    I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
    Let your steadfast love comfort me
    according to your promise to your servant.
    Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my delight.
    Let the insolent be put to shame,
    because they have wronged me with falsehood;
    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
    Let those who fear you turn to me,
    that they may know your testimonies.
    May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
    that I may not be put to shame!

    My soul longs for your salvation;
    I hope in your word.
    My eyes long for your promise;
    I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
    For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
    yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
    How long must your servant endure?
    When will you judge those who persecute me?
    The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
    they do not live according to your law.
    All your commandments are sure;
    they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
    They have almost made an end of me on earth,
    but I have not forsaken your precepts.
    In your steadfast love give me life,
    that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

    Forever, O Lord, your word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
    Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
    By your appointment they stand this day,
    for all things are your servants.
    If your law had not been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
    I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have given me life.
    I am yours; save me,
    for I have sought your precepts.
    The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
    but I consider your testimonies.
    I have seen a limit to all perfection,
    but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

    Oh how I love your law!
    It is my meditation all the day.
    Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
    for it is ever with me.
    I have more understanding than all my teachers,
    for your testimonies are my meditation.
    I understand more than the aged,
    for I keep your precepts.
    I hold back my feet from every evil way,
    in order to keep your word.
    I do not turn aside from your rules,
    for you have taught me.
    How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!
    Through your precepts I get understanding;
    therefore I hate every false way.

    Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.
    I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
    to keep your righteous rules.
    I am severely afflicted;
    give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
    Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
    and teach me your rules.
    I hold my life in my hand continually,
    but I do not forget your law.
    The wicked have laid a snare for me,
    but I do not stray from your precepts.
    Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
    for they are the joy of my heart.
    I incline my heart to perform your statutes
    forever, to the end.

    I hate the double-minded,
    but I love your law.
    You are my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in your word.
    Depart from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commandments of my God.
    Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
    and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
    Hold me up, that I may be safe
    and have regard for your statutes continually!
    You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
    for their cunning is in vain.
    All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
    therefore I love your testimonies.
    My flesh trembles for fear of you,
    and I am afraid of your judgments.

    I have done what is just and right;
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
    Give your servant a pledge of good;
    let not the insolent oppress me.
    My eyes long for your salvation
    and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
    Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
    and teach me your statutes.
    I am your servant; give me understanding,
    that I may know your testimonies!
    It is time for the Lord to act,
    for your law has been broken.
    Therefore I love your commandments
    above gold, above fine gold.
    Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
    I hate every false way.

    Your testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
    The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
    I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments.
    Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is your way with those who love your name.
    Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
    and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
    Redeem me from man’s oppression,
    that I may keep your precepts.
    Make your face shine upon your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
    My eyes shed streams of tears,
    because people do not keep your law.

    Righteous are you, O Lord,
    and right are your rules.
    You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
    and in all faithfulness.
    My zeal consumes me,
    because my foes forget your words.
    Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it.
    I am small and despised,
    yet I do not forget your precepts.
    Your righteousness is righteous forever,
    and your law is true.
    Trouble and anguish have found me out,
    but your commandments are my delight.
    Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    give me understanding that I may live.

    With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
    I will keep your statutes.
    I call to you; save me,
    that I may observe your testimonies.
    I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I hope in your words.
    My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate on your promise.
    Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
    O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
    They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
    they are far from your law.
    But you are near, O Lord,
    and all your commandments are true.
    Long have I known from your testimonies
    that you have founded them forever.

    Look on my affliction and deliver me,
    for I do not forget your law.
    Plead my cause and redeem me;
    give me life according to your promise!
    Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek your statutes.
    Great is your mercy, O Lord;
    give me life according to your rules.
    Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
    but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
    I look at the faithless with disgust,
    because they do not keep your commands.
    Consider how I love your precepts!
    Give me life according to your steadfast love.
    The sum of your word is truth,
    and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

    Princes persecute me without cause,
    but my heart stands in awe of your words.
    I rejoice at your word
    like one who finds great spoil.
    I hate and abhor falsehood,
    but I love your law.
    Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous rules.
    Great peace have those who love your law;
    nothing can make them stumble.
    I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
    and I do your commandments.
    My soul keeps your testimonies;
    I love them exceedingly.
    I keep your precepts and testimonies,
    for all my ways are before you.

    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.

    1 Thessalonians 5:23

    Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Hebrews 13:20-21

    Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

    ↩︎
  13. Micah 6:8

    He has told you, O man, what is good;
    and what does the Lord require of you
    but to do justice, and to love kindness,
    and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV)

    ↩︎
  14. Psalm 100:2

    Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!

    Job 1:21

    And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

    2 Samuel 15:25-26

    Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.” (ESV)

    ↩︎
  15. Isaiah 38:3

    and said, “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. (ESV)

    ↩︎
  16. Psalm 119:4-5

    You have commanded your precepts
    to be kept diligently.
    Oh that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes! (ESV)

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  17. Psalm 69:9

    For zeal for your house has consumed me,
    and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.

    John 2:17

    His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

    Romans 12:11

    Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (ESV)

    ↩︎
  18. Joshua 24:14

    “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.

    Psalm 119:80

    May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
    that I may not be put to shame!

    1 Corinthians 5:8

    Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

    2 Corinthians 1:12

    For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. (ESV)

    ↩︎
  19. Psalm 119:112

    I incline my heart to perform your statutes
    forever, to the end. (ESV)

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  20. Isaiah 6:2-3

    Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

    “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
    the whole earth is full of his glory!”

    Psalm 103:20-21

    Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his word,
    obeying the voice of his word!
    Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
    his ministers, who do his will!

    Matthew 18:10

    “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. (ESV)

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Copyright © Tim Hopper. Based on Calendar of Readings in the Westminster Standards by Dr. Joey Pipa. Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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