And incline our hearts to keep Thy law...

Today’s Treasury reading from 1 Kings 8 (specifically vs. 58) reminded me of the Anglican Communion Service in the Book of Common Prayer. After each commandment is recited near the opening of that liturgy, the people respond with a Kyrie and the above petition: “Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.” When Solomon is nearing the end of his great prayer, he asks: “May He not leave us nor forsake us that He may incline our hearts to him, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His rules which He commanded our fathers.” What a beautiful prayer indeed: for we cannot incline our hearts one way or another, but we seek from Him the gift of a heart inclined to obedience.