praying scripture

  • First Friday Prayers: The 23rd Psalm

    ByLauren Bible reading, Christian, Grace & Truth Link Up, Jesus, prayer, rest, trusting God
    13 Comments

    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.

     

    Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to look up these scriptures and pray them yourself.  You can use my words or your own.  Either way, this message will not self destruct.

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    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.

     

    Lauren

    And now for this week’s featured post from the link up.

     

    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.

     

    The Link Up

     

    1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

    2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

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    Grace and Truth_Meet Hosts

    We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

    MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
    Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

    LAUREN SPARKS
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    LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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    TAMMY KENNINGTON – Restoring hope. Pursuing peace.
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  • You Can Still Learn So Much From a Good Mom…and Grace and Truth Link Up

    ByLauren Bible reading, Christian, family, Grace & Truth Link Up, mothers, parenting
    16 Comments

    I want to start by thanking you all for the love and encouragement you are sending for the new series, “Praying God’s Word Wednesday”.  It means so much to me that you see the benefit of praying scripture and want to do it alongside me.  I don’t take this privilege lightly.

     

    Confession:  the idea came from my mom.  She has been a daily prayer warrior for me and my sisters since our conception.  And she often uses the Bible to formulate her petitions.

     

    I remember her intervention years ago when I ran to her as a newly married wife with a step-son and very little clue.  Before the time of free mobile long distance, I sent her an email spilling all my woes about a very difficult situation.  I had reached the breaking point and felt hopeless.  She sent a message back that morning (I can hear the dial-up tone now) that began with 2 Corinthians 4:8,9.  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed:  we are perplexed, but not in despair:  persecuted, but not forsaken:  cast down, but not destroyed. 

     

    The note then instructed me to read Psalm 27:1-14 when I got home from work.  The passage taught of the sovereignty of God.  The Psalmist asked who he should fear if the Lord was his light, salvation and stronghold?  He spoke of the Almighty defeating evil.   Verse 13 said, I am confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

     

    My mom then quoted Galatians 6:9 in her note.  Let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  She reminded me that she referenced this scripture to pray for me over and over again during my difficult teenage years.  Her email changed the course of my day.  My mom, using God’s word, put everything in perspective for me.  To top it all off, she and my dad came to my house that very night.  They drove an hour and a half to give me a hug when I needed it most.

     

    As a grown woman I still learn so much from my mom.  That email sent many years ago started me on a journey to study God’s Word.  I strive to keep it on my lips for use at all times. Thank you, Mama, for your generous love and good example.  You mean the world to me!  And Happy Mother’s Day to you and all the moms out there.

     

    And now for this week’s featured link up post.

     

    Mary Rooney Armand of Butterfly Living gave me a name for something I did not know I was experiencing in What is Spiritual Fatigue?  And How to Overcome It.  The author gives us signs to look for to “diagnose” this “condition” and practical ways to combat it.  I may be referencing this for weeks or months to come.

     

     

    Grace and Truth_Rules

    1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

    2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

    3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate)

    Grace and Truth_Meet Hosts

    We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

    MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
    Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

    HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
    Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

    LAUREN SPARKS
    Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

    LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
    Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

    Now Let’s Link Up!

     

    You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

    Click here to enter

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