While listening to Christian radio
today, I heard Dr. Edwin Lutzer talk about how we need to renew our
minds on how to pray. He mentioned how little time most Christians
spend in prayer and the reasons behind the lack of time spent in
prayer. Many feel that prayer is boring and that we just keep
repeating ourselves, that not much is accomplished.
Lutzer then outlined a method of prayer
that really hit home with me, as it involves praying with scripture!
We've been talking about this in Bible Study and even discussed
compiling various scriptures to use in prayer. Rev. Lutzer told of
George Muller who lived in England in the 1800's. He was a Christian
evangelist and the director of an orphanage. Muller's devotional life
included God's word and meditating on it. He did this each morning
upon waking up and by breakfast his mind was in a peaceful, happy
place.
Turning the Word into prayer includes
ACTS, adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, supplication. Using
scripture in prayer ensures:
- You'll never have to say the same ole' prayer about the same ole' things. Always fresh, always new.
- God will respond, you can interact with God. He can say something and you can say something.
- Your soul will be satisfied
An Example With Psalm 23 the red print is an example of what type of thing you could add.
Oh Father, I want
to thank you today that Jesus is my Shepherd. Thank you for the
privilege of being one of your sheep. I pray that you will make me an
obedient sheep. Oh God, make me a good shepherd of the the people
that you have entrusted into my care. I'd like to pray for other shepherds in my church.
He
maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters.
Father I pray
today that you might enable me to be led beside quiet waters, may my
soul rest in you, Lord, satisfy my soul with you.
He restoreth my soul:
Lord, I know that
so often I am prone to wander. I feel prone to leave the God I love,
oh Lord restore me.
he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name's sake.
Keep me in the
path walking righteously. Guide me along the path you would have me
follow, not the path the world follows.
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Lord, help me
feel your presence daily as I walk in the world's shadows. Help me
not to fear troubles I encounter.
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Jesus, you are my
shepherd, please help me feel your love and comfort. I love you for
providing comfort in this world of trouble.
Thou prepareth a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup
runneth over.
My cup is not
just full but runs over with joy at the prospect of what you have
prepared for me in heaven
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.
Lord, as a
believer, I know that you will guide and protect me here in earth and
when I live in perfect goodness with you in heaven. I'm so thankful
to have you with me on my journey through life.
