My salvation comes from Him

Teach me, O Lord, the ways of your statues; and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
- Psalm 119:33-40

A few years ago, being uncertain about theology, I wondered just what I was allowed to pray. Could I pray for others' salvation, was that something He could do according to his nature? Could I pray for the redemption of a nation? Could I ask Him to transform me in the specific ways that I desire? And slowly I found beautiful answers to these questions in the prayers of the bible, in the requests of those individuals who knew God's character intimately. That I can pray such directives to the God Almighty amazes me, that it pleases Him for me to ask for Him to work. That in the promise of these prayers, I know that He can and will do it. If I ask, He will teach, He will give understanding, H
e will lead and incline my heart. Such attention to the desperate demands of this little life. What an awesome God.