The book of Psalms is known as the hymnal and prayer book of the church. These song-prayers told in verse have historically been used as starting places for prayer. As we pray alongside David, Asaph, and others, lifting our voices to the Lord, we learn to praise the Lord. To lament with honesty and faithfulness. To express a variety of emotions in a way that honors the Lord.
Regular Scripture reading, including the Psalms, can shape our prayers. Not only will we grow in our ability to pray as we speak God’s Word back to Him, but we will begin to be formed by the biblical passages we offer in prayer. For we are using Scripture to fellowship with the Lord, a book that is sweeter than honey and sharper than any double-edged sword (Psalm 119:103; Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to transform us.
Adding Bible reading to a daily routine will look different for each person. A few practices, though, can help us implement a prayerful engagement with Scripture:
1. Lectio Divina, a Latin term for sacred reading, which includes a cycle of Bible reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation
2. Regularly praying verses aloud
3. Using a Scripture reading plan that promotes a slower, more thoughtful pace.
Choosing a practice that combines time with God and listening and talking to Him promotes a prayerful posture in life.
Taking in a consistent diet of the Bible is vital to fueling our prayer life. Hence, we so often hear about the need to read Scripture and pray, as if the two disciplines are intrinsically linked. They are. We learn as we listen to the Word of God, pray it back to Him, and respond to what He teaches us.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Aaron Owens
