Several years ago when I first began attending prayer meetings, the pastor used to call on one particular elderly lady to open our session. She always began by praying Psalm 19:15 (14): “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.” I was a baby Christian in those days and I longed for her to change it up–come up with something new. But those words have to be one of the most honorable ways to enter into fellowship with the Lord. After hearing it repeated week after week it became the prayer of my own heart. I would eventually write it on a sticky note and put it on the wall in front of my desk. 

That same lady was the one who shared with me how Father told her to get out of His way where her husband was concerned. That little tidbit not only helped me with my husband but also my children.

I had an aunt who used to say goodbye by making the sign of the cross on my forehead and reciting Numbers 6:24-26: “May ADONAI [the Lord] bless you and keep you. May ADONAI make his face shine on you and show you his favor. May ADONAI lift up his face toward you and give you peace.” What a beautiful way to part company. Another older lady showed me how to love like Jesus. The slightest bit of trouble for my family caused her a pool of tears. She cried more for my children than I did.

But it’s not just the older women who have helped to shape and guide me. I can think of at least two younger than myself, one as young as my own kids, who have walked with Jesus longer than me and have shared great wisdom with me.

We need each other to push and pull us up the mountains of life. Do you seek wisdom from those who are further on their journey? “The mind of a person with discernment gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Proverb 18:15) I have been blessed with some terrific examples of women who live a life that honors Father. (If you are a man seek the wisdom of men who chase after the Lord.) 

My advice today: open your conversation with Father by repeating Psalm 19:15 (14),  “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, my Rock and my Redeemer.” My prayer for you: “May ADONAI bless you and keep you. May ADONAI make his face shine on you and show you his favor. May ADONAI lift up his face toward you and give you peace.” And if He is going to lift His face toward you He must first lift you up. May you feel lifted today.