Psalm 139 (God Knows Me) — Prayer · jesusTALK

Original Prayer

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Context (Old Covenant)

Psalm of David from the Old Testament. Confession that God knows the human being completely, prayed under the Old Covenant.

What it teaches

God's nearness and knowledge; dignity; guidance.

Realization in the New Covenant

Psalm 139 shows David's wonder: God knows me completely. In the New Covenant this goes further:

›You are not just "known", you are wanted, chosen, and accepted (Eph 1:4-6)
›The Spirit searches your depths, not to condemn, but to renew (Rom 8:26-27)
›"Search me", In the New Covenant not from fear of hidden sin, but from trust that God finds good in you (Phil 1:6)
›Your identity stands firm: wonderfully made, new creation, God's masterpiece (Eph 2:10)

Prayer in the New Covenant

Father, thank you that you know and love me, completely. I receive clarity about my identity in Christ today. Search me, not to condemn, but because I trust you. Lead me on your path. Amen.