How This Ancient Prayer Can Guide and Help Us Today
Understanding the Verse in Everyday Language
Have you ever wanted some help figuring out what to do next in life? Maybe you’ve faced choices or temptations and wished you had a guiding hand to keep you on the right path. Psalm 119:133 from the Bible is a short prayer that asks God for exactly that kind of help: “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” But what does this mean, and how does it apply to our daily lives?
Breaking It Down: What Are We Asking For?
· Order my steps in thy word: This is like asking God to guide everything you do—how you act, what you say, and what choices you make—using the wisdom and advice found in the Bible. It’s a way of saying, “God, help me base my life on your teachings. Show me how to live in a way that matches what you want.”
· Let not any iniquity have dominion over me: Here, we’re asking for help to stay away from things that are wrong or harmful—to keep from being controlled by bad habits or sin. It’s a plea for freedom, to live a better, cleaner life.
Why Is This Prayer Important?
Life isn’t always easy. We all feel pulled in different directions, and sometimes it’s hard to do what’s right. This prayer recognizes that without help from God, we might slip up or get stuck doing things we wish we hadn’t. It’s a humble way of admitting we need guidance to keep moving in the right direction.
Other Verses with a Similar Message
The Bible has lots of verses about seeking guidance and staying away from wrongdoing. Here are a few:
· Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This means the Bible can help us see where to go, like a flashlight in the dark.
· Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.” In other words, we can make our own plans, but God helps us follow the right road.
How Can We Use This Prayer?
· As a prayer for help: If you’re struggling with choices or habits, you can ask God to guide you and keep you away from what’s wrong.
· As a promise to live by God’s teaching: It’s also an invitation to commit to living your life by the principles you find in the Bible.
· As a request for wisdom: You can ask God for understanding to make good decisions, even when things are confusing or tough.
Why It Matters
This prayer isn’t just words—it’s a way to invite God’s help into your everyday life. The Bible teaches that God’s instructions are like a light that helps us find our way. When we ask for our steps to be ordered by God’s word, we’re looking for more than advice; we’re asking for real comfort, strength, and freedom from anything that leads us away from what’s good.
All in all, “Order my steps in thy word” is a simple but powerful prayer. It’s about asking God to help us live well, avoid mistakes, and find true peace and purpose.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 