Day 222 – Attitude

Psalm 119:33 HE. Teach me, O JEHOVAH, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law; indeed, I will observe it with my whole heart.

 35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness.

 37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things and revive me in Your way.

 38 Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You.

 39 Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your judgments are good.

 40 Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.

God’s names:

JEHOVAH – Self-existent, Eternal

Yeshuwa – Jesus

God’s character:

Teacher

Righteous

What kind of prayers do you pray? Where is your focus in your prayers? Do you pray selfish prayers, or do you pray prayers you think others want you to pray?

The psalmist prayed selfishly, but his focus was wholly on JEHOVAH. He asked Him to teach him His statutes so he could keep them. He asked for understanding of His Law, so he could observe it. He wanted a heart right with JEHOVAH and not on worthless things that don’t honor Him. The psalmist wanted to be fully devoted to JEHOVAH in everything he did.

What about your prayers? Many Christians pray prayers that focus fully on themselves. In public they will pray pious prayers, so they look good to other Christians. Don’t expect answers to those prayers.

Yeshuwa told the people how they should pray.

Matthew 6:5 “When you pray, you will not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 However, when you pray, go into your room, and when you shut your door, pray to your Pater who is in the secret place; and your Pater who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore, do not be like them. For your Pater knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

What is your attitude when you pray? Where is your focus? The psalmist focused on JEHOVAH, not himself. Yes, his prayer was selfish in the right way. He wanted to know and understand JEHOVAH’S Law. What do you want?

When your focus is on Yeshuwa, to draw closer to Him, to gain understanding when you read His Word, to study His Word and pray for His will in your life, those are the prayers Yeshuwa will answer. When your heart is focused on others before yourself, He will hear your prayers. Yeshuwa knows the motives of your heart. When you pray with a sincere heart as the psalmist did, you will find a closer relationship with Him. You will see the needs of others and pray. You will know what to do because you hear His voice. Your focus will be on Yeshuwa and not on yourself. Your prayers will reflect His heart for people.

Do you need to change your attitude when you pray?

Let’s pray: Father, forgive me for focusing on myself when I pray and not on You. Change my heart and attitude. Give me a heart that seeks Your will and pray for those who You place on my heart. Draw me close to You so I know Your will when I pray and let me see You work in the lives of Your people. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © 28 August 2025 by Valerie Routhieaux