Advent 2022 – Day 19
Thursday, December 15th
Praying Back God’s Word
By Joe Ottaviano / Season of life: 64, Steward of a Financial Planning & Investment Management Firm
Scripture
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6
Several years ago, I began reading the book of Psalms daily and found much comfort and wisdom. I decided, after reading the entire book encompassing 150 Psalms, that I would go back to the beginning and read two a day, underlining and highlighting the key messages in each Psalm. I found myself never getting enough and continued this practice for many years. (I know I’m slow with applying what God is telling me into action.)
Last year, one of the participants in a study group I host monthly, Kingdom Advisors, mentioned his habit of praying back to God what He has written to us. It got me thinking, as it made sense. So, I began the process of reading a Psalm and translating how it spoke to me into a specific prayer.
For example, Psalm 78:72 says “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” I have written in my journal this prayer: “Like David, may I shepherd those you’ve entrusted under my care with integrity of heart and lead them with skillful hands.”
Another example from Psalm 37:23 is: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one
who delights in him.” My written prayer is: “May my way delight the Lord so he makes my steps firm.”
I now have a collection of specific prayers in my journal not only from the book of Psalms but other books in the Bible. I frequently read these prayers during my morning time with our Lord and take notice of the ones He has so graciously answered. For someone like me who needs structure, it works. Otherwise, I would drift off and my mind would wander, as it so easily does. This keeps me focused.
I hope you give it a go and see if it works for you. You need time allocated each day to read God’s message as found in the Bible. I would suggest a highlighter, a journal of some kind, and a pen. Date it and personalize it, and read it over and over again.
Closing Prayer
A prayer from Joe, over you: “I pray that God would bless you as you read and dwell in His Word. May He speak to you and transform your heart, so you become more like His Son, Jesus.”
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Reflections
In what ways could you be more intentional in the reading of
God’s Word and/or in your prayer life each day?
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Let’s practice “praying back to God what He has written to us”.
Read Psalm 18:30: As for God, his way is perfect: the Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
Now, translate this Psalm into your own prayer to God.
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Lord God, may I “repeat the sounding joy” of who You are today!