Psalms 86:11 says, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”

Have you ever asked someone to teach you something? Maybe as a child it was wanting to learn to ride your bike without those two extra little wheels or how to tie your shoe laces. Maybe in your teenage years it was asking and learning how to sit behind the wheel of a moving vehicle so you could pass that driver’s test or how to open up your first checking account. In these early stages of life, we are constantly being taught and learning is exciting and fresh. As an adult, sometimes being taught is more of a drudge. Maybe a bit like “teaching an old dog new tricks?” It seems we are often the teacher instead of the student.

Learning is great. I want to learn new things, techniques, methods, and concepts. But, what I really want is for my heart to be teachable. When something is illuminated to me through the Word of God, I want to be that willing clay that is moldable and complying. The following scripture is a powerful prayer.

Psalms 86:11 says, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”

David is inquiring of the Lord to teach him His way. The first word of that prayer “teach” requires an action from the Lord, but first a willingness from the lips of the petitioner. A willingness that can’t be empty, as he was asking for God’s way…not his own. God will be the teacher, but we have to allow Him to instruct. David then declares that he will walk in truth! This is another choice he decided without any strings attached. Teach me, I will. David expressed a teachable heart.

The next phrase struck a chord in my heart. “Unite my heart to fear thy name”.

U·nite (verb)

come or bring together for a common purpose or action.

If my heart is divided, then my affections, thoughts, intents, etc are in different directions. How could I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and might if my heart is not together for a common purpose? This prayer is asking God to bring together/join your heart – all that is within as the center of everything together – to honor and love Him.

The steps to have your heart united are:

• have a teachable spirit and willingness to be directed
• ask God to show you His way
• decide you will walk in His truths and do it
• let your heart (your thoughts, intents, and who you are) be in one accord and united to Jesus

God will do this for me, I have to allow Him to!