Praying the Word, using Scripture as fuel for prayer, is one of the most significant tools I have found in helping build a life of prayer.
When we pray what God has said to us in Scripture, we are agreeing with Him as we talk with Him about the things on our hearts and minds.
Psalm 116 is one of my favorite Psalms to pray – I lift it to the Lord for and with you today.
1 I love You, Lord, because You have heard my appeal for mercy.
2 Because You have turned Your ear to me, I will call out to You as long as I live.
3 The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on Your name, Lord: “Lord, save me!”
5 Lord, You are gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
6 You guard the inexperienced; I was helpless, and You saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
8 For You, O Lord, rescued me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9 I will walk before You in the land of the living.
10 I believed, even when I said, “I am severely afflicted.”
11 In my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.”
12 How can I repay You, Lord, for all the good You have done for me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation and worship You, Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows to You in the presence of all Your people.
15 The death of Your faithful ones is precious in Your sight.
16 Lord, I am indeed Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your female servant. You have loosened my bonds.
17 I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and will worship the Lord.
18 I will fulfill my vows to You, Lord, in the very presence of all Your people,
19 in the courts of the Your house—within you, Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
In the name above all names, the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray – amen.
(Adapted from Psalm 116, Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Have a blessed Sunday – and as we approach the July 4 holiday, I hope that you will be able to have some restful time in the coming weeks. Plan on it!
And even if you just need a place to get away from the regular routine, we have our Pastor’s Day Room at the MBA Building, which is a well-furnished, comfortable office, with no phone, that any of our pastors or church staff members can reserve for a day or more. Call 704.375.1197 to reserve your time away.
Bob Lowman
Sunday, June 26, 2011
