The Prayer God Answers, Part 4

“And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:24b

In the final verse of this chapter, the Psalmist offers one final request: that the Lord would “lead him in the everlasting way.” After asking God to search him and test him, he submits himself to the Lord’s guidance and direction.

This is a simple yet sincere supplication. The Hebrew word nachah simply means to “lead or guide.” It is also used to express governance, specifically how God governs His people. The translators of the Septuagint used hodegeo, which carries an added nuance of “teaching.” A hodegos, therefore, is a leader or a guide. This brings to mind something like a tour guide, who skillfully leads and guides a group. Not only do they provide direction, they also instruct along the way and care for those they are guiding. It is a wonderful picture of how the Lord also leads us.

The Psalmist’s desire is to be led in olam — or the everlasting, eternal way. Here again we see his heart for the things of the Father. He is not seeking general direction; his is asking specifically for the Lord’s way. This is not a physical path but a way of the Spirit. It is not a way that we see with our eyes, but a way we discover through revelation.

This should also be our prayer. In every aspect of our lives, may we desire to be led and governed by God’s Spirit. May we seek and find ourselves on the eternal path.  

Michelle Lynn Nipp

I believe God wrote a wondrous story – His story – to capture the hearts and minds of all His creation. My passion is sharing this story! Through word studies, bible teaching and other resources, I want to see you experience the absolute awesomeness and wonder of history’s greatest story, the Bible.

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