"According to your promises"

I have recently been studying Psalm 119 and I was struck by how often the psalmist ended petitions with “according to your word” or “according to your promise”. He knew God was faithful and by reminding Him of His word he was increasing his faith as he prayed. I realised that this was a powerful way to pray so decided it was worth further study so I could apply this method of prayer to my prayer life.  In this blog I will record discoveries I have made along this journey to make my prayers more effective by claiming God's promises.

In Psalm 119 it  does not mention where in God’s word there was specific promises to back up the psalmist's requests, but I could easily find passages that he might have been referring to and which I could use in my prayers.

The most frequent request was “Preserve my life according to your word [or promise]” (See v25, 37, 107, 149, 154 NIV). In the New Living Translation “Preserve my life” is translated “revive me”or “restore me” or “protect me” This has more relevance to me at this time as I don’t feel my life is in any particular danger, but I know I daily need to be be revived or restored or protected. I immediately thought of Psalm 91 which are full of God’s promises to protect me.

I list below the other requests the writer of Psalm 119 made to God and specific promises that backed up his faith to add "according to your word/promise"

“Strengthen me according to your word” (v28)  compare Isaiah 40:31,

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, 

they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint"

“Be gracious to me according to your promise” (v58 ) compare Isaiah 30:18

"The Lord longs to be gracious to you;  he rises  he rises to show you compassion. 
For the Lord is a a God of justice, blessed are all who wait for him".

 “Do good to your servant according to your word”  (v65) compare Psalm145:9

"The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."

 “Sustain me according to your promise and I shall live” (v113) compare Psalm 55:22

"Cast all your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;  He will never let the righteous fall"

and Isaiah 46:4,
 "Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  
I have made you and I will carry you;  I will sustain and and I will rescue you"

 “Direct my footsteps according to your word” (v133) compare Proverbs 3:5,6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."

“Deliver me according to your word” (v170) Compare Psalm 34:19

"The righteous man may have many troubles but the Lord delivers him from them all"

“Give me understanding according to your word”  ( v169) compare Proverbs 2:3-6

"If you call your for insight and cry aloud for understanding ...then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding."

“May your unfailing love be my comfort according to your promise” ( v76) cf Is 66:13 

"As a mother comforts her child so will I comfort you"