Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
…The unfolding of your words gives light. —Psalm 119: 97 & 130

Sometimes we find ourselves at a place in life where we are searching for God’s guidance and longing for his help. We twist and turn and bend over in order to figure out what to say in prayer or how to approach the Father. We act like a plant straining to find the sunlight.

In those times, we need to look no farther than God’s word to us. The Bible not only tells us what God says to his people, but it also tells us what to say to God. Scripture can give us words to pray when we don’t know what to say. It is like sunlight for our souls. God’s word shines light on our deepest desires and needs. It reveals who we truly are and how we can relate to our creator. If we would bend ourselves toward God’s word, then we’ll find words of prayer provided for us. When we allow God’s word to shape and direct our prayers, we can be confident that we are in alignment with his will. And we can be confident that he will answer our prayers in love.

Growth Challenge:

One of the prime examples of praying scripture is using the Lord’s prayer. Take some time to read through Jesus’ prayer and reflect on each phrase. Then spend 5-7 minutes praying this prayer. Read the prayer out loud; then repeat it in your own words. Ask God to make these things real in your own life today.

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.” —Matthew 6:9-13