Unveiling the Prayer of David in Psalm 139

Prayer of King David from Psalm 139

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! 20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? 22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139 is a powerful and poetic exploration of God's intimate knowledge of humanity. Often referred to as a prayer of David, it delves into themes of awe, wonder, and vulnerability.

The psalm opens with a profound declaration: "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me" (v. 1). David acknowledges God's complete understanding of him, from his innermost thoughts to his daily routines (v. 2). This knowledge extends even to the words yet unspoken (v. 4).

A sense of awe washes over David as he contemplates the vastness of God's presence. He is surrounded by God, "behind and before" (v. 5). This inescapable presence, both comforting and humbling, leads David to declare, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (v. 6).

The psalm then shifts to a series of questions. David ponders where he can go to escape God's presence (vv. 7-10). The answer, of course, is nowhere. God is omnipresent, reigning in the heavens and the depths of the earth (vv. 8-9).

Even the darkness cannot hide David from God. Light and darkness are the same to Him (v. 12). This knowledge brings both security and a call to introspection. David prays, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any evil way in me and guide me in an everlasting way" (vv. 23-24).

Psalm 139 is a beautiful tapestry woven with awe, wonder, and a yearning for deeper connection with God. It serves as a reminder of His constant presence, His omniscience, and His unwavering love.

How can you use Psalm 139 in your own life?

Reflect on the opening verses. How does the idea of God's intimate knowledge make you feel?
Read through the psalm slowly, allowing the imagery and questions to sink in.
Take David's lead and pray for God to search your heart and guide you.
Share this psalm with someone who might find comfort or inspiration in its message.