Vs. 133 — Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Thomas Manton:

In this prayer there are two branches:—
1. A petition for grace for the regulation of his life, order my steps according to thy word.
2. A deprecation of the contrary evil, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

The first part of his prayer is by way of prevention, the second is by way of reserve; and the connection of both doth in effect speak thus, Lord, if thou dost not order my goings, surely iniquity will have dominion over me. Therefore he first prays that God will not permit him to err; or if the Lord should by his righteous providence permit him to fall, that he might return again to his duty, that sin may not wholly and clearly carry it in his heart, and have a full power over him: Lord, ‘order my steps according to thy word;’ but if I should fail, ‘Let not any iniquity have dominion over me.’ (Manton, T. (1872). The Complete Works of Thomas Manton (Vol. 8, p. 382). London: James Nisbet & Co.)

Prayer:

Father, direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. You have shown me the sting of sin and the poison that it leaves in its victims. Your word exposes the works and enslaving power of iniquity and have given me a hatred of it. Grant me a deeper repentance, a horror of sin, a dread of its approach that I may flee it and remain faithful to You with a clean conscience. My rescuer, my King–Jesus Christ, I resolve to serve and honor. Help me to keep my resolve in the power of the Spirit.

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