Psalm 119 was written as an acrostic of sorts (in Hebrew each line in an individual section begins with a different letter of the alphabet) and was likely used in the training of children. In other words, it is also likely this prayer-song was firmly embedded in the minds of the men of Israel not only for their lifetime but for generations.
So it ought to be with us. How we ought to pray this prayer fervently from our hearts, desiring God to purify us through His Word, pleading with Him to grant us a love for His ways, His laws, His will! Remember: What better way is there to pray than to pray the prayers authored by the Holy Spirit for His holy ones to use in their daily prayers? God will hear such prayers—I have no doubt whatsoever—when we offer them up from our hearts as well as by our lips.
How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate your ways.
I will delight myself in your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
My soul clings to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
I have declared my ways, and You answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
My soul melts from heaviness;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
Remove from me the way of lying,
And grant me Your law graciously.
I have chosen the way of truth;
Your judgments I have laid before me.
I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
I will run the course of Your commandments,
For You shall enlarge my heart.
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to covetousness.
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.
Establish your word to Your servant,
Who is devoted to fearing You.
Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your judgments are good.
Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me in Your righteousness.
(vv. 9–40)
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