Today, Gina Fensterer of Someday Saints has shared a post featuring one of her favorite psalms. As we think about prayer in the quiet of our hearts, it can be helpful to think about how we pray when we don't have words of our own. Gina reminds us that the psalms and other memorized prayers can help us find the words to pray when we struggle to find them.
Last summer, I shared a post as part of a blog project with Kristin from Vine of Plenty. One of my favorite Psalms is also one of my favorite prayers, which is very simple, but packs a punch.
The verse comes from part of Psalm 86, and I memorized it long ago to use as a frequent daily prayer for my family. It's part of the night prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours, which my husband and I have prayed almost nightly together since we were engaged (13+ years ago!) .The words are simple, poignant, and rich in meaning. I feel like I can pray these words and nearly cover all the bases for my own life, and my family's lives. Every night, I pray this verse for my husband and each of my children. I substitute their names for "me", adjust the pronouns, and instantly have a personal, individual prayer. Sometimes I also add improv prayers, with specifics I have on my heart.
"Show me Lord, your way, so that I make walk in your truth. Guide my heart to fear your name."
"Show T, Lord, your way, so she make walk in your truth. Guide her heart to fear your name. And Lord, please be with her in a special way as she learns to navigate life and friendships this year. Middle school can be a wonderful and difficult time. May she always be assured of your love for her, her beauty, her self-worth, and the love her Daddy and I have for her."
It is so awesome that in this short Psalm, I ask God for guidance in his way (which is Love), so that I can walk in his Truth (which is love and mercy, and also going to include his specific will for my life). It ends asking God to guide my heart (more about Love! The heart is always about Love.) to fear his name, to honor and respect, and to give glory to him. What else is there?
See how easily you can make a prayer for each family member, or friend, or anyone?
I hope you'll find inspiration in the verse, and print the art designed by Kristin to help you remember to pray for yourself and loved ones. Sometimes, I pray this when I am completely exasperated with a child who keeps making poor choices, and beg the Holy Spirit to guide my child in better choices when I feel lost. You can guess how often this verse comes in handy as a prayer for that!
Click here for the pdf printable. Have a blessed week, my friends.
Comment below with your thoughts:
What prayers speak to your heart? Do you have a favorite psalm or memorized prayer? What words do you turn to when you don't have words of your own?
or, simply answer:
Did you pray today?
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