How “May the Words of My Mouth and the Meditation of my Heart” Honor God?
- Melissa Henderson Contributing Writer
- Updated Sep 12, 2022
The statement “May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart” is sometimes spoken during worship service. In some instances, those words are given while accompanying prayers. Other times, worship may close with someone saying, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart.”
What Are the “Words of My Mouth and the Meditation of My Heart?”
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 NIV).
These words refer to the words we share with God in prayer. The statement can also refer to the words we share with others: the person praying desires to have words that please God. Speaking the words aloud or quietly in our hearts, we have a truthful way of communicating with the Father. God knows what we think and how we feel. Praying those words and thoughts brings the opportunity to have a close relationship with Him.
God listens to our cries and our joys. God hears every prayer, whether we are filled with happiness or sadness.
God knows we get angry at times. He knows there are times of sadness. He also knows the joys of life. When we pray, we can ask God for our words and thoughts to please Him.
What Is the “Meditation of My Heart”?
Some scholars state that biblical meditation is pondering Scripture with a receptive heart. In Psalm 19:14, the word meditation can refer to how we receive and learn from Scripture and prayer. Our prayers are meant to be honest and heartfelt expressions to God. He knows what is truly revealed in our hearts and minds. There is nothing that can be hidden from the Father. When we pray that the “words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing” to God, we share with the Lord that we want to know Him, to follow His will and His plan.
God knows we make mistakes. In prayer, we seek His forgiveness.
Memorizing Scripture can be helpful. Writing verses on note cards and placing the cards where they can be seen every day is another way to meditate on His Word.
Where Does the Bible Mention “Words of My Mouth and the Meditation of My Heart”?
“Words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart” is found in the book of Psalms. The Psalms are filled with praises for God, thanksgiving for His mercies, laments over heartache, and more. Music often accompanies this Scripture. The hymns, prayers, and poems each hold a unique place in showing love to God. In worshiping the Father, we as Christians give thanks, repent, ask for forgiveness of sins, and seek His will in every situation.
Our relationship with God is deepened when we pray. The author of Psalms recognizes that God listens and hears our prayers. Whether we are lamenting, crying out for help, thanking the Father, or simply sitting in His presence, God is with us.
Who Wrote the Psalm about “Words of My Mouth and the Meditation of My Heart”?
The verses in this particular Scripture are attributed to David, king of Israel for 40 years. According to biblical scholars, the book of Psalms was written by various authors—including David, Solomon, Moses, and Asaph.
Psalm 19 begins with sharing about God’s creations. The psalmist is praying that God will hear and accept his words. The psalmist acknowledges God’s perfect law, which according to Scripture, is finer than gold and sweeter than honey. The author praises God for His law and rewards.
He asks God to clean him from hidden faults. The writer desires to be without sin and for God to help him know any sins he may not realize.
Christians today ask God for the forgiveness of sins. We recognize our sins, repent, and ask God’s mercy and forgiveness. We too can ask God to help us know any sins that may be hidden.
How Can I Change “Words of My Mouth and the Meditation of My Heart?”
Prayer is available at any time. God is listening, whether we speak aloud, write our prayers, or say them in our minds. God wants to have a relationship with each of His children. Over the years, different ways of praying have been suggested—morning prayers, evening prayers, special occasion prayers, prayers for the ill, and others. God wants us to pray to Him any time, day or night.
We can follow patterns or speak directly from the heart when we pray. As you open a conversation with God, acknowledge Him, give thanksgiving, and know His law is perfect. Share your deepest feelings with the Father, knowing He is listening and He cares.
If sadness or anger is prevailing in life, we can pray and ask God to help change our prayers from ones of lament to prayers of praise. Even if we are heartbroken or angry, comfort and solace can be found in praising the Father. Remember that God can guide us to a place of thanksgiving and praise.
Reading Scripture daily can help us learn more from God’s Word. Meditating on His Word means more than simply reading. Asking God to give wisdom, discernment, and revelation when we read His Word can be the first step in understanding Scripture. Some people have said that reading the Bible gives an understanding of the past and hope for the future.
5 Prayers for the Words and Meditation of Our Hearts
1. Lord, thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Please help me with my struggles. Help me to remember this pain is for a short time on this earth. The ultimate reward is in Heaven. Amen.
2. Father, I need You. Give me the strength to endure. Although I am in pain, please help me glorify You through my words and meditation of my heart. Thank You, Amen.
3. God, I pray that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart honor You. Amen.
4. Abba Father, I give You praise as I lift my prayers to You. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. Amen.
5. Dear Lord, I praise You and give thanks to You for all the mercies and forgiveness You give. Please give me wisdom, discernment, and revelation in the words I speak. Help me to meditate on Your Word and draw closer to You. Amen.
5 Scriptures about Praying and Meditating on His Word
1. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips: meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8 NIV)
2. “May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.” (Psalm 104:34 NIV)
3. “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” (Psalm 143:5 NIV)
4. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)
5. “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5 NIV)
God listens. God hears. Every thought and every word we speak or write, God knows. He is with us forever. Daily Bible reading can help us understand Scripture and God’s love for His creations. Yes, pray that the words and meditation will honor God.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Design Pics
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today.
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