How to Pray a Psalm
Talk to God by Praying the Psalms
Mar 26, 2009 Francine Morrissette
From the ziggurats of ancient civilization to the churches, temples and synagogues of today, much evidence suggests that people are naturally inclined to look for help and answers from above.
As they struggle to cope with the mysteries in their own lives and try to understand the mysteries of the world they live in, people seek God. Maybe the human race was programmed to want to know, on a personal level, who created the world and everything in it. There are many ways to find God, and one of the easiet ways is to find Him through prayer.
How to Know God
How can you know someone like God? Getting to know God is not unlike getting to know the new person at the office, or the new person in your neighborhood. To get acquainted with someone, you simply talk to them and then you listen when they talk to you.
Getting to know God is similar. You start by talking; sharing whatever you wish to share, and then you listen. How do you start a conversation with God? Begin with prayer. What do you say? Say anything you want, but if you’re at a loss for words you can get started by praying a Psalm.
What is a Psalm
The Psalms, found in the middle of the Bible, are simple, direct, and intense. They offer concrete imagery which is easy to relate to.
The Psalms' format (poetry) feels familiar to most people and is easy to read. Psalms are often titled to make it easy to find the one that best illustrates your problem or concern.
Psalms are often very easy for the layperson to relate to because they were written by someone who set the example of sharing the full rage of human emotion in conversation with God; for even the faith-filled psalmist had doubts about God which he actually shared with God in prayer.
Why Pray a Psalm
Praying a psalm connects humanity to divinity through the act of speaking God’s holy Word.
Praying a Psalm calms the mind, relaxes the body, soothes the soul, and brings a sense of peace to the one who is praying.
How to Choose a Psalm
Skim the titles and choose a Psalm that goes with your problem or request. The psalms express every sentiment of the human heart: awe, joy, gratitude, anger, hopelessness, guilt, relief, adoration, wonder, fear, pain, frustration and even hatred, so you are likely to find one that’s appropriate for you.
How to Pray a Psalm
Go to the psalms (middle of the Bible) and skim the headings. Choose one. Read silently. Then read aloud, slowly, resting for a count of 4 before going on to the next line. Repeat the psalm, or quietly reflect on it, or maybe write about it, or even talk to God about what you read and how it made you feel.
Praying the Psalms creates a divine spiritual connection to God, a reassuring emotional connection to the psalmist, and an opportunity to receive grace and help from God through praying His Word.
Learn How to Pray a Psalm
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