This verse, Psalm 51:15, is a plea for divine enabling, followed by a promise of vocal praise. Let's break it down:
"Lord, open my lips." This is a prayer, a petition to God. It's not just a physical request to loosen stiff lips. Instead, it's a request for:
Inspiration: To receive the right words, the appropriate sentiments, and the boldness to express them.
Forgiveness: In the context of Psalm 51 (a psalm of repentance after David's sin with Bathsheba), the "lips" may have been closed by guilt and shame. Asking God to "open" them is a plea to remove the barrier caused by sin so that he can speak freely to God.
Spiritual unlocking: It acknowledges that true praise isn't just mechanical; it's a gift from God. It's asking God to unlock the worshiper's spirit to allow authentic praise to flow.
A deeper capacity: It may also imply a desire to overcome any fear, hesitation, or inadequacy in expressing devotion.
"My mouth shall declare your praise." This is the response to the prayer. It's a commitment, a promise, and an expression of intention. "Declare" indicates a public and clear proclamation, not just private thoughts. It means:
Vocal affirmation: The speaker intends to use their voice to offer adoration, thanksgiving, and acknowledgement of God's worthiness.
Proclamation to others: "Declare" suggests sharing God's praise with others, acting as a witness to His goodness and power.
Living out the praise: It's not just words; it's a commitment to a life that reflects God's character, where actions and words are aligned in praise.
Confidence in God's enabling: The Psalmist is confident that if God opens their lips, then praise will follow. It's not a boast, but an assurance that God's work will be completed.
In essence, Psalm 51:15 is a humble request for God to empower and enable the speaker to offer genuine, heartfelt praise. It recognizes that true worship is a gift from God and requires His active participation. It's a verse often used in personal devotions, liturgical settings, and times of repentance, as it captures the desire for a renewed and authentic relationship with God, expressed through praise.
This verse, Psalm 51:15, is a plea for divine enabling, followed by a promise of vocal praise. Let's break it down:
"Lord, open my lips." This is a prayer, a petition to God. It's not just a physical request to loosen stiff lips. Instead, it's a request for:
Inspiration: To receive the right words, the appropriate sentiments, and the boldness to express them.
Forgiveness: In the context of Psalm 51 (a psalm of repentance after David's sin with Bathsheba), the "lips" may have been closed by guilt and shame. Asking God to "open" them is a plea to remove the barrier caused by sin so that he can speak freely to God.
Spiritual unlocking: It acknowledges that true praise isn't just mechanical; it's a gift from God. It's asking God to unlock the worshiper's spirit to allow authentic praise to flow.
A deeper capacity: It may also imply a desire to overcome any fear, hesitation, or inadequacy in expressing devotion.
"My mouth shall declare your praise." This is the response to the prayer. It's a commitment, a promise, and an expression of intention. "Declare" indicates a public and clear proclamation, not just private thoughts. It means:
Vocal affirmation: The speaker intends to use their voice to offer adoration, thanksgiving, and acknowledgement of God's worthiness.
Proclamation to others: "Declare" suggests sharing God's praise with others, acting as a witness to His goodness and power.
Living out the praise: It's not just words; it's a commitment to a life that reflects God's character, where actions and words are aligned in praise.
Confidence in God's enabling: The Psalmist is confident that if God opens their lips, then praise will follow. It's not a boast, but an assurance that God's work will be completed.
In essence, Psalm 51:15 is a humble request for God to empower and enable the speaker to offer genuine, heartfelt praise. It recognizes that true worship is a gift from God and requires His active participation. It's a verse often used in personal devotions, liturgical settings, and times of repentance, as it captures the desire for a renewed and authentic relationship with God, expressed through praise.