Praying God's Word (Psalm 119)

If you ever get your hands on it, I highly recommend Beth Moore's book Praying God's Word. It is a wonderful book that has been a great reminder for me about how powerful God's word is and how important it is to spend time in his word. It's mostly about overcoming strongholds, and if you are human, you will find a few you need to break free from.

If you don't get your hands on it, or even if you do, I want to encourage you to try is something that I saw a friend recently do. That is praying through Psalm 119. Ever done that before? I think I might have, but a second round never hurt. This is the longest psalm, with 176 verses. Most likely your Bible has broken the sections up by the letters they were written in. The MacArthur Commentary says it is, "composed of 22 sections, each containing 8 lines. All 8 lines of the first section start with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet; thus 8 different terms referring to Scripture occurring throughout the psalm are 1) law, 2) testimonies 3) precepts 4) statutes, 5) commandments 6) judgments 7) word, and 8) ordinances. From before sunrise to beyond sunset, the Word of God dominated the psalmist's life, e.g. 1) before dawn (v.147) 2) daily (v.97) 3) 7 times daily (v.164) 4) nightly (vv.55, 148), and 5) at midnight (v.62)."

The unknown author of this psalm (perhaps David, Daniel, or Ezra) had a love for God's word. It was their guide. Their footprints in the sand to follow. Their joy found in the morning, day, and night. By praying through Psalm 119, or any part of the Bible, we should remember to hold onto this promise, "It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (Isaiah 55:11) See God's word has a purpose, and if we understand the meaning behind a verse to pray it out loud, we are reminding ourselves of God's truths, and giving our prayers up to God that they will not return void. See if I pray Psalm 119:30-31, "I have chosen to be faithful, I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!" Don't you think God will bless that if I honestly mean it? To want to seek after his will, and not be disappointed with the outcome of who I am and the life that I live for the Lord?

God has a wonderful promises in his word. He also has some stabbing truths to convict us when we have not followed the way to live like him (Hebrews 4:12). What is accomplished from getting into the Word, as well as praying about it, whether it be reciting it straight from the book or talking about it with God, is it opens the doors to heaven for God to hear our prayers. To know what we ask for cannot be vain. If we pray what aligns with Gods' word, we cannot be put to shame (Romans 10:11). 


I want to encourage you today to start praying God's word outloud. Talk to him. Perhaps start with one section from Psalm 119. Read it once. Reflect on what each statement means, and then recite it when you feel comfortable that you can honestly say it with a heart ready to be transformed by the Lord. Sometimes it take me a moment to do just that. Most of all, enjoy your time spent in the word. It is a privilege when we make that time everyday to do so. I know sometimes it can feel like a thing to check off on a long list of things to do, but look at it as that part in your day when every emotion, problem, and blessings in your life can be given up to him. He provides, he takes away, he cares, and he blesses us when we remember him. 


Questions to ask yourself
What promises from God's word  do I need right now that can I hold onto and pray to him about?

When I spend time with God, whether through prayer or Bible reading, is it so I can say I did it or so I can deepen my understanding of how to follow him?