Commentators observe that the psalmist begins with praise ('Blessed are you, O LORD') before making his request ('Teach me your statutes'). This structure is a model for our own prayers. By first acknowledging God's inherent goodness and blessedness as the author of His law, we ground our requests not in our own merit, but in His glorious character. Adoration naturally leads to a desire to learn from the one we adore.