Throughout this series we have joined some of our favorite biblical characters in the prayers they once prayed and which God has preserved for us in the Scriptures. As you ponder the variety of prayers from the Great Prayer Book, the Psalms, be enveloped by each word as if it was written directly to and for you…because in fact they were and are a gift from God for you. Praying the Scriptures in this way will bring health and vitality to your heart and soul, and great liberty to your life of prayer.
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Our earnest thirsting and longing for God, amidst the dry and parched landscape of this life, is the geography we must traverse if we’re going to experience an abundant life with God. What is it you desire most in this life? Are your pursuits toward money, sex and power, or instead to behold the power and glory of God? Each time you see beauty in the sanctuaries of this earth, let your heart cry out with delight. Praise the Lord, for his love is better than life. And that love has been displayed before us in the radiant colors of his creation, in the enjoyment of fellowship with his people, in the splendor of worship in our communities of faith, and in the witness we offer to the world in Jesus’ name. Let your arms be raised in praise and your lips rejoice with singing as you experience firsthand the majesty and glory of God. His desire is for us to have open eyes, ears and hearts that readily receive all that God delights to offer those whom he loves with an infinite, matchless love.
Today…
Speak forth what your soul earnestly hungers for and let your whole being give witness to the praise and glory of God. Because the Lord is, was and will be your help, remember him in the light of day and through the watches of the night. Give thanks to the Lord, and as you glorify him with your lips and your life, trust him prayerfully with your entire being. (Psalm 63)
You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.
But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
Behold the splendor of the Lord – Believe the promises of his love – Belong to those who unreservedly trust him – Become prayerful in all you are and do.