Psalm 19

We sang a song in church today titled, "Psalm 19." I'm sure we've sung it before, but while reading the lyrics this time, I wanted to know more about the context. I looked up Psalm 19 in my Bible and after reading through Psalm 19 I was a little let down by the song because the Psalm is magnificient, but the song seems to concentrate on the least significant verse, verse 14:

14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart     be acceptable in your sight,     O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

That's a good verse (there aren't any bad ones), but this has very little meaning without the context. Therefore, I'd like to give the full quotation for Psalm 19 here to give it the full meaning it deserves:

To the choirmaster, A Psalm of David

1The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
4Their measuring line goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber;
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the Lord oare right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.

12Who can discern his errors?
    Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
    and innocent of great transgression.

14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeamer.

The first stanza declares how creation glorifies our Creator. How the creation itself speaks for and glorifies God. The second stanza declares how God's scripture glorifies him as the perfect lawgiver and that anyone who takes the time to learn the scriptures is blesssed.

The third stanza declares the Lord blameless and David begs the Lord to help him become so as well. The final stanza then compares everything that comes before and basically askes that his lowly words be made acceptable and pleasing to God. It's almost as if David didn't feel that even these worshipful words were really good enough to truly praise God in his perfection.

Lord, please let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.