Some of my most popular blog postings this year have been 25 Encouraging Bible Verses on Stress, Peace, Families, Rest and Relaxation etc.  Readers of my blog from around the world have taken the time to comment or send me emails that on some of their more challenging days, God led them to read those blog postings and be encouraged through scripture.

I will admit there are days that I need to “put my money where my mouth is” and stop trying to do things on my own and just lean on God’s Word for guidance, wisdom, strength and hope.  I need to read those particular postings just as much as my readers do!

Lately I have also felt dry in my prayer life.  I spend concerted amount of time praying for my children, grandchildren and family but there are times I come up thirsty.  It is in those dry times when I honestly don’t know what to pray that praying scripture helps direct my focus entirely on God.  Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is alive and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword. When praying the Scriptures, we are coming into agreement with God, and His power is released to answer our prayers.

There are some excellent books and online resources to help you practice praying scripture but a good place to start is in Psalms.  Read each Psalm aloud and allow God’s Word to impact your soul!

Psalm 23 – The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 30:6-12 – Help

Psalm 42 – Hunger for the Lord

Psalm 51: 1-12 –  Confession of Sin

Psalm 63 – Focus on the Lord

Psalm 86 – In Need of the Lord

Psalm 91 – God is My Refuge

Psalm 136 – Giving Thanks

Psalm 139 – Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Psalm 145:1-16  – The Lord is Worthy of Praise

And I like to close with this: Psalm 138:2-3 “I will bow down toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name. On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.”  Amen.