Stanton Lanier / Sky Whisper Sound, LLC

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

Ends of the Earth (Psalm 22)

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As we take this cinematic journey through Psalms together, I encourage you to listen to the album and each song on your favorite music streaming service first, for pure enjoyment and also to see how God may speak to you through the music. If you want to go deeper Psalm 22 is down below. You can also read and reflect on the spiritual and musical inspirations behind each song while you listen or in silence as a quiet devotional. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton

There is a reason Ends of the Earth opens with a hint of sadness, featuring a clarinet solo. Psalm 22 begins with, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These were Jesus’ words on the cross. Verse 2 says, “My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” I have felt this way before, haven’t you? Life on earth has constant tension, ups and downs, victories and struggles, desert moments and sanctuary moments. This element of sadness is also referenced in the middle of the song from 2:04 to 3:01. There is still hope even when God is sometimes silent.

The Psalm moves in a more hopeful direction as it continues. “Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you.” (Verse 9) “But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength.” (Verse 19) The main theme answers the introduction with confidence and beauty in the first half, and even more in the second half to the ending. The piano plays the identical theme over and over, and various orchestra instruments and sections join in along the way. The musical build up is gradual in the first half and the hope filled main theme grows bigger and bolder in the second half. This mirrors the emotional journey in Psalm 22. Later in the Psalm we read, “those who seek the Lord will praise Him—may your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him.” (Verses 26-27) “They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!” (Verse 31)

In response to the midpoint sadness, the symphony gets bigger and bolder in the back half of the song as the orchestra goes all in expressing that God is our ultimate hope and strength. Timpani drum joins the 9/8 meter emphasized by the fast strings, which were introduced earlier in the piece. The timpani is a tuned percussion drum, so all of its hits are in tune with the symphony. In my composing, percussion always reminds me of God’s heart beat and His pace in leading me as I long to stay in step with Him. Similar to the timpani, I want to be in tune with—attuned to—God’s plans and purposes. Being in harmony with my heavenly Father is another spiritual layer represented in the music.

God’s bigness and my smallness is also reflected in the opening and ending of the piece. The piano begins gently, and plays the exact same main theme notes throughout the piece. It is always there in the background, even when the full symphony and timpani are playing. By the end everything is stripped away except for the solo piano. In this song, as in others, the piano represents my frailty and weakness a part from God. The symphony symbolizes Him singing over my life with a hope and strength that overshadows everything else. God sees me, knows me, and loves me. He sees you, knows you, and loves you too, to the ends of the earth.

How does Ends of the Earth speak to you?

Psalm 22 (NIV) — ENDS OF THE EARTH

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. 4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” 9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. 29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—those who cannot keep themselves alive. 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

Oasis of Peace (Psalm 23)

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As we take this cinematic journey through Psalms together, I encourage you to listen to the album and each song on your favorite music streaming service first, for pure enjoyment and also to see how God may speak to you through the music. If you want to go deeper Psalm 23 is down below. You can also read and reflect on the spiritual and musical inspirations behind each song while you listen or in silence as a quiet devotional. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton

Track seven Oasis of Peace is all about the last word in the song title—peace. God’s peace. Even though we all have this innate desire for peace, it is often elusive in such a busy and noisy world. The Eternal Beauty album project is the first time I had all the songs and titles in order from the very beginning, before I composed the first note. God inspired me with the challenge to compose each song in order before going on to the next. This meant Oasis of Peace would be the seventh composition and track, and the opening piece for the album’s second half. Even though we want peace it can take time to be ready to receive it. I wanted the six songs leading up to this one to each play a part in preparing the way for a beautiful, restful invitation to receive God’s peace that only He can offer.

In most Bible translations Psalm 23:2 says, “he leads me beside still waters” or “quiet waters.” A few use the words “refreshing waters.” The Passion Bible, like The Message, is a paraphrase and not a word-for-word translation, with an aim to be a highly readable, heart-level expression of Scripture. In this version Psalm 23:2 reads, “an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss,” and this poetic phrase inspired the title. 

Musically this song uses the piano and a smaller ensemble of instruments to convey a sense of peace. My composing desire was to offer God’s peace from the first note, and for the main theme and secondary themes to help us slow down and receive it. Oasis of Peace is the third song I have composed with the word “peace” in the title. Perfect Peace (2020) was inspired by Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Peace (2005) came from John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” My two Christmas albums to date also include it—December Peace and December Peace II.

I encourage you to read Psalm 23 slowly or a few times as you listen to Oasis of Peace. You can also reflect on the words below that enrich the title’s meaning.

Oasis: refuge, haven, safe haven, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, resting place, hiding place.

Peace: calmness, restfulness, peace and quiet, silence, noiselessness, stillness, solitude, tranquility, composure, rest, repose, ease, comfort, contentment, security, bliss.

How does Oasis of Peace speak to you?

Psalm 23 (Passion) —OASIS OF PEACE

1 Yaweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. 2 He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. 3 That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. 4 Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. 5 You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit, you give me all I can drink of you until my cup overflows. 6 So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!

Treasure in My Heart (Psalm 119)

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As we take this cinematic journey through Psalms together, I encourage you to listen to the album and each song on your favorite music streaming service first, for pure enjoyment and also to see how God may speak to you through the music. If you want to go deeper Psalm 119 is down below. You can also read and reflect on the spiritual and musical inspirations behind each song while you listen or in silence as a quiet devotional. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. What music would arise from so many verses? I read this over several times in different Bible versions, seeking God, searching for passages He was using to speak into my life, here and now. The title arose from verse 11, “I consider your Word to be my greatest treasure, and I treasure it in my heart.”

As track number eight, Treasure in My Heart was also going to be a peace filled song in its position following Oasis of Peace. Musically I wanted it to be simpler, with a few select instruments complimenting the piano at the center of the piece. The strings and woodwinds are gently present, but the French horn has the feature solo throughout. This is one of my favorite instruments, with its hauntingly beautiful sound. The horn has always symbolized God’s presence for me when it appears in one of my compositions. Psalm 150:3 shouts, “Praise him with trumpets and horns! Praise him with harps and lyres!”

This piece had several phrases where the words became notes on the piano. You may be able to “hear” some of these in the theme melodies, or perhaps you can hear or sing your own special Scripture verses along with the music. Either way, these are rich and encouraging words, and I hope you will soak them in as you listen.

The introduction and ending are the same and frame the song, inspired by verses 37-38. Drench my soul with life (4 times), As I walk in Your paths ( 2 times), I am (3rd phrase played one time for the words “I am” found in the phrase “I am Your Beloved”), Drench my soul with life (1 time at the very end of the piece).

The first theme melody was born out of verses 24 and 47. “Your word is my light and delight…For I love what you say to me. The second theme melody is from verse 111, “Everything you speak to me is like joyous treasure, filling my life with gladness.” 

Additional verses I reflected on as I composed were verse 88—Revive me with your tender love, verse 107—Breathe life into me again by your living Word, verse 175—Invigorate my life so that I can praise you even more, and back to verse 11 where the song title is found—I consider your Word to be my greatest treasure, and I treasure it in my heart.

How does Treasure in My Heart speak to you?

Psalm 119 (Passion) —TREASURE IN MY HEART

The Words of God

The Way to Happiness

1 You’re only truly happy when you walk in total integrity, walking in the light of God’s Word. 2 What joy overwhelms everyone who keeps the ways of God, those who seek him as their heart’s passion! 3 They’ll never do what’s wrong but will always choose the paths of the Lord. 4 God has prescribed the right way to live: obeying his laws with all our hearts. 5 How I long for my life to bring you glory as I follow each and every one of your holy precepts! 6 Then I’ll never be ashamed, for I take strength from all your commandments. 7 I will give my thanks to you from a heart of love and truth. And every time I learn more of your righteous judgments, 8 I will be faithful to all that your Word reveals—so don’t ever give up on me!

True Joy

9 How can a young man stay pure? Only by living in the Word of God and walking in its truth. 10 I have longed for you with the passion of my heart; don’t let me stray from your directions! 11 I consider your Word to be my greatest treasure, and I treasure it in my heart to keep me from committing sin’s treason against you. 12 My wonderful God, you are to be praised above all; teach me the power of your decrees! 13 I speak continually of your laws as I recite out loud your counsel to me. 14 I find more joy in following what you tell me to do than in chasing after all the wealth of the world. 15 I set my heart on your precepts and pay close attention to all your ways. 16 My delight is found in all your laws, and I won’t forget to walk in your words.

The Abundant Life

17 Let me, your servant, walk in abundance of life that I may always live to obey your truth. 18 Open my eyes to see the miracle-wonders hidden in Scripture. 19 My life on earth is so brief, so tutor me in the ways of your wisdom. 20 I am continually consumed by these irresistible longings, these cravings to obey your every commandment! 21 Your displeasure rests with those who are arrogant, who think they know everything; you rebuke the rebellious who refuse your laws. 22 Don’t let them mock and scorn me for obeying you. 23 For even if the princes and my leaders choose to criticize me, I will continue to serve you and walk in your plans for my life. 24 Your commandments are my counselors; your Word is my light and delight!

Revived by the Word

25 Lord, I’m fading away. I’m discouraged and lying in the dust; revive me by your word, just like you promised you would. 26 I’ve poured out my life before you, and you’ve always been there for me. So now I ask: teach me more of your holy decrees. 27 Open up my understanding to the ways of your wisdom, and I will meditate deeply on your splendor and your wonders. 28 My life’s strength melts away with grief and sadness; come strengthen me and encourage me with your words. 29 Keep me far away from what is false; give me grace to stay true to your laws. 30 I’ve chosen to obey your truth and walk in the splendor-light of all that you teach me. 31 Lord, don’t allow me to make a mess of my life, for I cling to your commands and follow them as closely as I can. 32 I will run after you with delight in my heart, for you will make me obedient to your instructions.

Understanding God’s Ways

33 Give me revelation about the meaning of your ways so I can enjoy the reward of following them fully. 34 Give me an understanding heart so that I can passionately know and obey your truth. 35 Guide me into the paths that please you, for I take delight in all that you say. 36 Cause my heart to bow before your words of wisdom and not to the wealth of this world. 37 Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true; drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths. 38 Reassure me of your promises, for I am your beloved, your servant who bows before you. 39 Defend me from the criticism I face for keeping your beautiful words. 40 See how I long with cravings for more of your ways? Let your righteousness revive my spirit!

Trust in the Lord

41 May your tender love overwhelm me, O Lord, for you are my Savior and you keep your promises. 42 I’ll always have an answer for those who mock me because I trust in your word. 43 May I never forget your truth, for I rely upon your precepts. 44 I will observe your laws every moment of the day and will never forget the words you say. 45 I will walk with you in complete freedom, for I seek to follow your every command. 46 When I stand before kings, I will tell them the truth and will never be ashamed. 47 My passion and delight is in your word, for I love what you say to me! 48 I long for more revelation of your truth, for I love the light of your word as I meditate on your decrees.

My Comfort

49 Lord, never forget the promises you’ve made to me, for they are my hope and confidence. 50 In all of my affliction I find great comfort in your promises, for they have kept me alive! 51 No matter how bitterly the proud mockers speak against me, I refuse to budge from your precepts. 52 Your revelation-light is eternal; I’m encouraged every time I think about your truth! 53 Whenever I see the wicked breaking your laws, I feel horrible. 54 As I journey through life, I put all your statutes to music; they become the theme of my joyous songs. 55 Throughout the night I think of you, dear God; I treasure your every word to me. 56 All this joy is mine as I follow your ways! My Heart Is Devoted to You 57 You are my satisfaction, Lord, and all that I need, so I’m determined to do everything you say. 58 With all my heart I seek your favor; pour out your grace on me as you promised! 59 When I realize that I’m going astray, I turn back to obey your instructions. 60 I give my all to follow your revelation-light; I will not delay to obey. 61 Even when temptations encircle me with evil, I won’t forget for a moment to follow your commands. 62 In the middle of the night I awake to give thanks to you because of all your revelation-light—so right and true! 63 Anyone who loves you and bows in obedience to your words will be my friend. 64 Give me more revelation of your ways, for I see your love and tender care everywhere.

My True Treasure

65 Your extravagant kindness to me makes me want to follow your words even more! 66 Teach me how to make good decisions, and give me revelation-light, for I believe in your commands. 67 Before I was humbled I used to always wander astray, but now I see the wisdom of your words. 68 Everything you do is beautiful, flowing from your goodness; teach me the power of your wonderful words! 69 Proud boasters make up lies about me because I am passionate to follow all that you say. 70 Their hearts are dull and void of feelings, but I find my true treasure in your truth. 71 The punishment you brought me through was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me your ways. 72 The words you speak to me are worth more than all the riches and wealth in the whole world!

Growth through the Word

73 Your very hands have held me and made me who I am; give me more revelation-light so I may learn to please you more. 74 May all your devoted lovers see how you treat me and be glad, for your words are entwined with my heart.75 Lord, I know that your judgments are always right. Even when it’s me you judge, you’re still faithful and true. 76 Send your kind mercy-kiss to comfort me, your servant, just like you promised you would. 77 Love me tenderly so I can go on, for I delight in your life-giving truth. 78 Shame upon the proud liars! See how they oppress me, all because of my passion for your precepts! 79 May all your devoted lovers follow me as I follow the path of your instruction. 80 Make me passionate and wholehearted to fulfill your every wish, so that I’ll never have to be ashamed of myself.

Deliver Me

81 I’m lovesick with yearnings for more of your salvation, for my heart is entwined with your Word. 82 I’m consumed with longings for your promises, so I ask, “When will they all come true?” 83 My soul feels dry and shriveled, useless and forgotten, but I will never forget your living truth. 84 How much longer must I wait until you punish my persecutors? For I am your loving servant. 85 Arrogant men who hate your truth and never obey your laws have laid a trap for my life. 86 They don’t know that everything you say is true, so they harass me with their lies. Help me, Lord! 87 They’ve nearly destroyed my life, but I refuse to yield; I still live according to your Word. 88 Revive me with your tender love and spare my life by your kindness, and I will continue to obey you.

Faith in the Word of God

89 Standing firm in the heavens and fastened to eternity is the Word of God.

90 Your faithfulness flows from one generation to the next; all that you created sits firmly in place to testify of you. 91 By your decree everything stands at attention, for all that you have made serves you. 92 Because your words are my deepest delight, I didn’t give up when all else was lost. 93 I can never forget the profound revelations you’ve taught me, for they have kept me alive more than once. 94 Lord, I’m all yours, and you are my Savior; I have sought to live my life pleasing to you. 95 Even though evil men wait in ambush to kill me, I will set my heart before you to understand more of your ways. 96 I’ve learned that there is nothing perfect in this imperfect world except your words, for they bring such fantastic freedom into my life!

I Love the Word of God

97 O how I love and treasure your law; throughout the day I fill my heart with its light! 98 By considering your commands I have an edge over my enemies, for I take seriously everything you say. 99 You have given me more understanding than those who teach me, for I’ve absorbed your eye-opening revelation. 100 You have graced me with more insight than the old sages because I have not failed to walk in the light of your ways. 101 I refused to bend my morals when temptation was before me so that I could become obedient to your Word. 102 I refuse to turn away from difficult truths, for you yourself have taught me to love your words. 103 How sweet are your living promises to me; sweeter than honey is your revelation-light. 104 For your truth is the source of my understanding, not the falsehoods of those who don’t know you, which I despise.

Truth’s Shining Light

105 Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear. 106 To live my life by your righteous rules has been my holy and lifelong commitment. 107 I’m bruised and broken, overwhelmed by it all; breathe life into me again by your living word. 108 Lord, receive my grateful thanks and teach me more of how to please you. 109 Even though my life hangs in the balance, I’ll keep following what you’ve taught me, no matter what. 110 The ungodly have done their best to throw me off track, but I’ll not deviate from what you’ve told me to do. 111 Everything you speak to me is like joyous treasure, filling my life with gladness. 112 I have determined in my heart to obey whatever you say, fully and forever!

Trust and Obey

113 I despise those who can’t keep commitments, for I passionately love your revelation-light! 114 You’re my place of quiet retreat, and your wraparound presence becomes my shield as I wrap myself in your Word! 115 Go away! Leave me, all you workers of wickedness, for you can’t stop me from following every command of my God. 116 Lord, strengthen my inner being by the promises of your Word so that I may live faithful and unashamed for you. 117 Lift me up and I will be safe. Empower me to live every moment in the light of your ways. 118 Lord, you reject those who reject your laws, for they fool no one but themselves! 119 The wicked are thrown away, discarded and valueless. That’s why I will keep loving all of your laws! 120 My body trembles in holy awe of you, leaving me speechless, for I’m frightened of your righteous judgments.

I Will Follow Your Ways

121 Don’t leave me to the mercies of those who hate me, for I live to do what is just and fair. 122 Let me hear your promise of blessing over my life, breaking me free from the proud oppressors. 123 As a lovesick lover, I yearn for more of your salvation and for your virtuous promises. 124 Let me feel your tender love, for I am yours. Give me more understanding of your wonderful ways. 125 I need more revelation from your Word to know more about you, for I’m in love with you! 126 Lord, the time has come for you to break through, for evil men keep breaking your laws. 127 Truly, your message of truth means more to me than a vault filled with the purest gold. 128 Every word you speak, every truth revealed, is always right and beautiful to me, for I hate what is phony or false.

I Long to Obey You

129 Your marvelous words are living miracles; no wonder I long to obey everything you say. 130 Break open your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans. 131 I open my mouth and inhale the Word of God because I crave the revelation of your commands. 132 Turn your heart to me, Lord, and show me your grace like you do to every one of your godly lovers. 133 Prepare before me a path filled with your promises, and don’t allow even one sin to have dominion over me. 134 Rescue me from the oppression of ungodly men so that I can keep all your precepts. 135 Smile on me, your loving servant. Instruct me in what is right in your eyes. 136 When I witness the rebellious breaking your laws, it makes me weep uncontrollably!

His Word Is True

137 Lord, your judgments reveal your righteousness, and your verdicts are always fair. 138 The motive behind your every word is pure, and your teachings are remarkably faithful and true. 139 I’ve been consumed with a furious passion to do what’s right, all because of the way my enemies disrespect your laws. 140 All your promises glow with fire; that’s why I’m a lover of your Word. 141 Even though I’m considered insignificant and despised by the world, I’ll never abandon your ways. 142 Your righteousness has no end; it is everlasting, and your rules are perfectly fair. 143 Even though my troubles overwhelm me with anguish, I still delight and cherish every message you speak to me. 144 Give me more revelation so that I can live for you, for nothing is more pure and eternal than your truth.

Save Me, God

145 Answer my passionate prayer, O Lord, and I’ll obey everything you say. 146 Save me, God, and I’ll follow your every instruction. 147 Before the day dawns, I’ll be crying out for help and wrapping your words into my life. 148 I lie awake every night pondering your promises to me. 149 Lord, listen to my heart’s cry, for I know your love is real for me; breathe life into me again by the revelation of your justice. 150 Here they come—these lawless rebels are coming near, but they are all so far away from your laws. 151 God, you are near me always, so close to me; every one of your commands reveals truth. 152 I’ve known all along how true and unchanging is every word you speak, established forever!

Breathe Life into Me Again

153 Look upon all my misery and come be my hero to rescue me, for I will never forget what you’ve revealed to me. 154 Take my side and defend me in these sufferings; redeem me and revive me, just like you promised you would. 155 The wicked are so far from salvation, for they could not care less about your message of truth. 156 Your tender mercies are what I need, O God; give me back my life again through the revelation of your judgments. 157 I have so many enemies who persecute me, yet I won’t swerve from following your ways. 158 I grieve when I see how the faithless ones live, for they just walk away from your promises. 159 Lord, see how much I truly love your instructions. So in your tender kindness, breathe life into me again. 160 The sum total of all your words adds up to absolute truth, and every one of your righteous decrees is everlasting.

Devoted to God’s Word

161 The powerful elite have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart trembles in awe because of your miracle-words. 162 Your promises are the source of my bubbling joy; the revelation of your Word thrills me like one who has discovered hidden treasure. 163 I despise every lie and hate every falsehood, for I am passionate about keeping your precepts. 164 I stop to praise you seven times a day, all because your ways are perfect! 165 There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your Word, and they will never be offended. 166 Lord, I’m longing for more of your salvation, for I want to do what pleases you. 167 My love for your ways is indescribable; in my innermost being I want to follow them perfectly! 168 I will keep your instructions and follow your counsel; all my ways are an open book before you.

I Want to Follow You

169 Lord, listen to my prayer. It’s like a sacrifice I bring to you; I must have more revelation of your Word! 170 Take my words to heart when I ask you, Lord; rescue me, just like you promised! 171 I offer you my joyous praise for all that you’ve taught me. 172 Your wonderful words will become my song of worship, for everything you’ve commanded is perfect and true. 173 Place your hands of strength and favor upon me, for I’ve made my choice to follow your ways. 174 I wait for your deliverance, O Lord, for your words thrill me like nothing else! 175 Invigorate my life so that I can praise you even more, and may your truth be my strength! 176 I’ll never forget what you’ve taught me, Lord, but when I wander off and lose my way, come after me, for I am your beloved!