A friend at church asked me what I appreciate about the book of Psalms in the Bible. So this week I’m going to share three reasons why I love the psalms: because they are 1) Personal, 2) Prayerful and 3) Passionate.
The psalms constantly seek God. They are prayerful.
Seek his presence. “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11).
Seek his mercy. “Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us” (Psalm 123:3).
Seek his strength. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (Psalm 28:7).
Seek his answers. “Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy” (Psalm 43:2)?
Mostly, they seek the gift of salvation. “But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation” (Psalm 69:13).
All of these are prayers, teaching you how to pray, providing you with the very words you can pray, and enriching your prayer life as you observe and enjoy.
Looking to improve your prayer life? Let the psalms help.
PRAYER: Dear God, in my prayers I can struggle to find the right words, or ask for the right things, or often forget prayers of thanks and praise. Your forgiving heart accepts even my imperfect prayers, and delights in my desire to improve. Help me learn to pray better and more often. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Review the list of “seek” above. The psalms constantly seek God. What else would you add to the list, that the psalms seek from God? Reply to me in an email, I’d love to hear it!
