Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
David cried out with fervency, knowing that God hears the earnest prayer of faith. He desired above all that his prayers ascend before God like incense and the evening sacrifice, a spiritual offering that pleases Him far more than the loudness of his voice.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 141:1-10
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth. That mouth had been used in prayer, it would be a pity it should ever be defiled with untruth, or pride, or wrath; yet so it will become unless carefully watched, for these intruders are ever lurking about the door.
Prayer is a spiritual sacrifice, the lifting up of the soul and its best affections to God. David begs that his crying be heard not for its loudness but for its liveliness, and that God would set his prayer before Him as the incense daily burnt on the golden altar.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 141:1-4