Right after I finished college, I taught fifth-grade students. It was a challenging yet fulfilling position. I learned a lot and am thankful for the opportunity to teach. While the teacher’s role is critical, students must also participate in the learning process. That was difficult when working with students who weren’t interested in the subject.
But I also recall several students who struggled with math. They met with me for extra tutorial time at the end of the day. After reviewing the lesson, I gave them time to practice a few equations. Over time, they began to understand the process, and their appreciation grew. Their willingness to learn made all the difference.
In the same way, the Lord longs for followers who want to learn and walk in His truth.
Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. I give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Your name forever.
Psalm 86:11-12 ESV
The Prayer | Psalm 86:11
Psalm 86 is a prayer of David, written during a time of trouble. He called himself “poor and needy” (v. 1), and arrogant men were rising up against him (v. 14). Yet in the middle of his distress, David asked the Lord to teach him.
Teach Me Your Way
David came to the Lord as an eager student. He did not ask for an easy road or a quick escape. Instead, he asked to learn God’s way.
He prayed a similar prayer in another psalm: “Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths” (Psalm 25:4 ESV).
Like David, a good student comes prepared to listen. When we open God’s Word with a humble heart, the Lord delights in teaching us. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40 ESV). As we learn from Him, we become more like Him. He is the best Teacher we could ever have.
Walk in Your Truth
David asked to learn so he could walk in God’s truth. Learning was never meant to stop at knowing the right answers. Every teacher hopes students will apply what they learn, not just memorize it for a test.
The same is true for us. James reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22 ESV).
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 ESV). When we walk in God’s truth, we walk with Jesus, one step at a time.
Unite My Heart to Fear Your Name
Unite my heart. What a beautiful request. David knew how easily his heart could be pulled in many directions. We know that pull, too. Busy schedules, worries, distractions, and others’ opinions compete for our attention and affection.
An undivided heart is a gift from God. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord promised His people, “I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever” (Jeremiah 32:39 ESV).
To fear the Lord’s name is not to be afraid of Him. It is a deep reverence and awe for who He is, joined with trust. A united heart is focused on Him.
The Response | Psalm 86:12
In verse 12, David moves from asking to thanking. The heart he asked the Lord to unite becomes a whole heart, full of thanks and praise.
I Give Thanks with My Whole Heart
The Lord desires our wholehearted commitment to Him. This requires humility and a longing to know Him more deeply. A divided heart gives the Lord only part of itself, while a whole heart holds nothing back.
David wrote, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1 ESV). Wholehearted thanks remembers what God has done.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is a good time to pause and count His blessings. Gratitude turns our hearts back to Him.
I Will Glorify Your Name
David ends with a promise: “I will glorify Your name forever.” His praise was not just for one day. It would last for a lifetime and beyond.
When we learn His way, walk in His truth, and give thanks with a whole heart, our lives bring glory to His name. Others notice the difference He makes in us. One day, we will join believers from every nation in giving Him glory forever.
Head to Heart
David’s prayer can become our prayer this week. Take some time to reflect on these questions:
Teach Me Your Way – Are you a willing student? Before you open your Bible each day this week, pray, “Teach me Your way, O Lord.”
Walk in Your Truth – What is one truth you know well but find hard to live out? Ask the Lord for help to take one step of obedience this week.
Unite My Heart – What pulls your heart in different directions: busyness, worry, distractions, or the opinions of others? Name it, and invite the Lord to make your heart whole.
With My Whole Heart – As Thanksgiving approaches, write down three things you are thankful for each day this week. Thank the Lord aloud for each one.
I Will Glorify Your Name – How can your words and actions honor His name this week?
Breath Prayers:
Inhale: Teach me Your way
Exhale: I will walk in Your truth
Inhale: I give thanks to You
Exhale: With my whole heart
Friends, let’s come to the Lord this week as willing students. He is a patient and faithful Teacher.
Next week, in Part Two, we’ll look at Psalm 138, where David again gives thanks with his whole heart.