How the Psalms Can Transform Your Prayer Life
Have your prayers become predictable and routine? "Dear God, here's a bunch of people who are sick, here's some things I need… Good talk, see you on Sunday. Amen." If we're honest, many of us fall into this pattern more often than we'd like to admit. Prayer is one of those topics that we as Christians like to talk about a lot, but in reality, we don't do nearly as much of it as we should.
The Challenge of Praying Continually
This instruction from Paul to "pray continually" (NIV) has always been challenging. Other translations say "pray without ceasing" (KJV), "pray constantly" (CSB), "never stop praying" (NLT), or simply "pray all the time" (MSG). But how in the world are we supposed to do that?
Most of us have been taught approaches like the ACTS prayer method (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication) or to use the Lord's Prayer as a template. These are helpful, but they don't necessarily help us "pray without ceasing."
What if there were types of prayer that could allow us to come closer to practically "praying all the time"? That's what I hope to introduce you to, starting with Praying the Psalms.
The Psalms: A Little Bible
Martin Luther said the Psalms "might well be entitled a Little Bible, wherein everything contained in the entire Bible is beautifully and briefly comprehended." The significance of the Psalms is highlighted by how New Testament writers reference them more than any other book in the Old Testament. Of the 150 Psalms, over 100 are quoted or mentioned in the New Testament.
Even Jesus himself used the Psalms when he prayed. On the cross, he cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), quoting the first verse of Psalm 22. If Jesus prayed from the Psalms in his most desperate and vulnerable hour, I have to believe that the Psalms were often on his lips at other times as well.
Praying Psalm 23: A Model Example
Let's look at the most familiar Psalm, Psalm 23, to understand how praying the Psalms can enrich our prayer life. This psalm reveals several theological principles about God:
God provides sustenance: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:1-3a ESV).
God provides guidance: "He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake" (Psalm 23:3b ESV).
God provides protection: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4 ESV).
God's care is generous: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows" (Psalm 23:5 ESV).
God's care is endless: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6 ESV).
Putting It Into Practice
When we pray the Psalms, we're reminded of the narrative of an amazingly generous God. These words help us replace our own flawed narratives of scarcity, unworthiness, fear, and pride.
Here's how to start praying the Psalms:
Choose a Psalm: Start with familiar ones like Psalm 23, 1, 19, or 100.
Read it slowly: Don't rush through the words. Let them sink in.
Make it personal: Where the Psalm says "I" or "me," recognize that you are speaking these words about yourself.
Pray it back to God: Use the words of the Psalm as your own prayer.
Reflect on the theological truths: Consider what the Psalm teaches you about God's character.
Praying the Psalms can be done with any of the 150 Psalms. They cover every human emotion and situation – from praise to lament, from thanksgiving to confession. By incorporating the Psalms into our prayer life, we take a significant step toward "praying continually" as we learn to see our daily experiences through the lens of these God-inspired prayers.
This week, I challenge you to spend time each day praying through Psalm 23, letting its truths reshape your understanding of God's presence and provision in your life.
Reflection
When you consider your current prayer life, how close do you come to "praying continually"? What barriers prevent you from praying more consistently?
How might incorporating the Psalms into your prayers help you express emotions or thoughts that you struggle to put into your own words?
Reflect on Psalm 23. Which of the theological principles mentioned (God's provision, guidance, protection, generous care, and endless care) do you most need to be reminded of today?
Jesus himself prayed the Psalms in his most desperate hour on the cross. How might this example change your view of using Scripture in prayer?
Application
Today, commit to praying through Psalm 23 three times: morning, noon, and evening. Each time, read it slowly and thoughtfully. As you pray, allow the theological principles in this Psalm to reshape your thinking about God's presence in your life. Let the imagery of the shepherd and the generous host remind you of God's character and promises. Consider writing down any insights or feelings that arise during these prayer times.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my shepherd. Help me to recognize your provision, guidance, and protection in my life today. When I walk through valleys of shadow and fear, remind me that you are with me. Thank you for preparing a table before me and anointing me as your own. I praise you for your goodness and mercy that follow me all the days of my life. Teach me to pray your Word back to you, allowing the Psalms to shape my prayers and deepen my communion with you. May your presence be my constant comfort as I learn to pray continually. In Jesus' name, Amen.
