First Friday Prayers: Psalm 23 by Lauren Sparks
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a study by Jennifer Rothschild on the 23rd Psalm. An exercise in the last week of the curriculum surprised me. I easily slipped into praying scripture without even trying! So I thought I might take you through this section of the workbook and let you have a go of it too!
The author asked us to write a script using the 6 verses of the 23rd Psalm with other passages of her choosing to write our own personal narrative. She asked us to use the first person, talking about our Shepherd. So here are the story starters in bold, while my answers are in pink:
Combine the 23rd Psalm verse 1 with Nahum 1:7:
God takes care of me and I have everything I need in Him. He is so good and gives me shelter when things are hard.
Combine the 23rd Psalm verse 2 with Psalm 16:8:
God nourishes me and brings me peace. If I keep my eyes on Him, I am strong.
Combine the 23rd Psalm verse 3 with Jeremiah 6:16a
My God refreshes me and leads me to do what’s right so He will be glorified. Obeying Him is restful.
Combine the 23rd Psalm verse 4 with Isaiah 58:8 and Psalm 5:12
No matter what hard thing I face, I’m not afraid because you’re with me and you comfort me. You bless me and show me favor.
Combine the 23rd Psalm verse 5 with Psalm 3:3
I can overflow with joy at what You have for me. You protect me and keep my chin up.
Combine the 23rd Psalm verse 6 with Psalm 125:2
Your goodness and mercy pursue me and I get to be with you forever.
On the first three prompts, I answered in the manner requested. I spoke ABOUT God. But I did not realize until after I completed the exercise and looked back over it that I subconsciously slipped in speaking scripture TO God. I all that practice praying scripture is instilling a good habit.
If you give this a try, I would love to know how it went. I’m praying for you in this. And don’t forget to share on social media or with a friend who could benefit. It would mean so much to me. If you don’t want to miss a Praying God’s Word post, subscribe over on the right hand side of this page.
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Linda Stoll’s A Rare Gift Indeed will make you think. It really challenged me and I’d love to hear if it challenges you.
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Linda Stoll says
Lauren, thank you …
So kind.
Lauren says
My pleasure, Linda.
Paula Short says
Wow!! Lauren I absolutely love this exercise. I just tried it. This is a great way to have our own individual affirmations with God. Bookmarking this so I can reference for future use.
Lauren says
I’m so glad it’s helpful, Paula. Thank you for letting me know.
Paula Short says
Thank you bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
Lauren says
My pleasure. Thank you for hosting.
Deborah Rutherford says
Lauren, this is an interesting article. I love reading all about this. Thank you❤
Deborah Rutherford says
Lauren, thank you for sharing this study with us. What a good way to go deeper into Scripture.
Lauren says
Thanks for reading, Deborah.
Maryleigh says
The writer in me loves this – I always encourage people to pray psalms over their lives and their loved ones – and I think this book might be a good gift to help others learn both scripture and how to pray! Thanks for the visual of what you did – so beautiful!
Lauren says
Thank you, Maryleigh.
Tammy L Kennington says
Lauren,
What a beautiful way to meditate and pray over scripture! Jennifer’s book sounds amazing. I need to add it to my list!
Blessings,
Tammy
Lauren says
Thanks so much, Tammy. Yes, I got a lot out of the study.