Book of Psalms - Chapter 51 - Verse 15

When the Psalmist asks the Lord to open his lips so that he may proclaim God's praise, he is expressing a desire for the divine guidance and inspiration necessary to properly worship and glorify God. This verse highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared and surrendered to the will of God in order to speak or sing words of praise that are truly pleasing to Him. By asking for God's help in opening his lips, the Psalmist is acknowledging his own limitations and weaknesses, relying on the Lord to empower him to speak with sincerity and truthfulness. The act of praising God is not merely a ritualistic expression of gratitude, but a heartfelt response to the greatness and goodness of God. It is a way to acknowledge God's sovereignty, give Him the honor and glory He deserves, and invite His presence into every aspect of our lives.

Psalm 51:15 is a verse of humility, seeking divine assistance to praise God. The phrase "open thou my lips" is a plea for God to remove any barriers or hindrances that prevent the psalmist from speaking words of praise. This reflects an acknowledgment of the importance of God's guidance and empowerment in our ability to worship Him. The act of opening the lips symbolizes the beginning of worship and communication with God. By asking for God's intervention, the psalmist recognizes the need for a spiritual awakening or revival to enable them to glorify God properly.

Furthermore, the phrase "and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise" emphasizes the intention to use words to give glory to God. This verse highlights the significance of verbal expression in worship and the power of spoken praise. The word "shew" conveys the idea of displaying or manifesting God's praise through verbal declaration. It suggests an outward demonstration of internal reverence and gratitude towards God. The phrase also implies a willingness and commitment to proclaim God's greatness and faithfulness boldly and openly.

In summary, Psalm 51:15 invites believers to rely on God for the enablement to offer heartfelt and authentic praise. It underscores the importance of verbal worship and the need for divine intervention in expressing adoration towards God. This verse serves as a reminder of our dependence on God in all aspects of our spiritual lives, including our ability to worship Him.