Prayer Watch: Print the Bible So All May Know Him

Last week while preparing to write to you, I read through Psalm 119. Have you done that recently? Wow! It’s an awesome passage of Scripture. I have re-read the chapter over and over—there are so many beautiful words. Yes, words of life!

On Sunday, following our church service, I had the opportunity to share with a young friend about the MAST method of Bible translation. She was so excited to think that there are so many language groups working on getting Scripture in their own languages. For me, I get excited that finally the Old Testament—and Psalm 119—are being translated.

Let me share some of my thoughts and prayers with you as we read verse by verse from God’s precious Word—all in Psalm 119.

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.

Lord, as I think about those still without Your Word, I pray that very soon people of every language will have all of Scripture, all Your commands, all Your decrees, and all Your Word. Then people can truly know You, Lord.

Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law. […]
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.

Dear God, open our eyes and teach us so we can know You and follow You with our whole heart. Oh God, so many still have no way to know You. Without Your Word they cannot know how wonderful life is when they follow Your teaching.

My soul is weary with sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word. 
Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; […]
May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, according to your promise;
 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
    for I trust in your word.
Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
    for I have put my hope in your laws.

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are weary with hurt and sorrow, lost and alone, hopeless. Only You, Father, love everyone. How can they know Your strength, Your grace, and Your unfailing love?  Father, everyone needs Your entire Word. Help us Father to be encouragers to those translating Your Words into their own languages.

Remember your word to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.
 My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life. […]

You are my portion, Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.
I have sought your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
 I have considered my ways
    and have turned my steps to your statutes.

Dear Jesus, You are the Lord, the giver of life. You, dear Lord, comfort and preserve us. You, Jesus, are all we need. I pray that as Scripture is translated into every language, many will choose to seek You and obey Your words. I pray that more and more will turn to You and follow You. I pray Lord Jesus that one day soon all people from every language will have opportunity to read and hear Your words of life.

Do good to your servant
    according to your word, Lord.
Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I obey your word.
You are good, and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.

Yes, dear Lord, You are good and what You do is good. Teach us today to do good to those who do not know you.

My dear prayer partners, I encourage you to read through Psalm 119 this week and pray that Bible translation will be funded and empowered to reach every language group in the world. Pray as we teach methodology and provide technology, especially the Print On Demand equipment, that everyone will have the opportunity to hold God’s Word in their hands and read of His love, His forgiveness, and His grace.