Theology Proper and the Proper Way to Pray: An Exposition of Psalm 139

Abstract

Prayer is central to Christian life and worship. Unfortunately, prayer is also one of the most difficult things we do, often because we misunderstand what prayer is and who God is. Psalm 139 offers an understanding of the nature both of God and of prayer. Psalm 139:1–18 has to do with “theology proper,” the nature of God as omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, but the psalmist describes these attributes not in abstract philosophical categories but rather in terms of intimate personal relationship. Psalm 139:19–22 provides an example of the proper way to pray: since God knows us intimately, we can and must be utterly honest in our prayers. Psalm 139:23–24 shows what happens when we pray honestly: God transforms us, changing our attitudes toward the problems we face.