Like most pastors, I frequently hear of the struggles Christians have maintaining a vibrant devotional life; perhaps especially in the area of prayer. And yet, the Bible book most commonly cited as our favourite remains the book most intimately tied to prayer: the Book of Psalms. In his preface to the Psalms, Luther wrote:
“It would seem to me as if the Holy Ghost had inspired the composer with the idea of a small Bible, or of an epitome of Christianity and godly men … there is a virtue and a soul which breathes throughout the Psalms, whilst in other religious books they are full, not of the words, but of the works of the saints. The Psalms are an exception. They breathe the very odour of sanctity: for they not only relate the works but the words of holy men, how they communed with and prayed to God, and how they still commune and pray to him.”
And thus, in laying bare the treasures of their souls through their words, we learn of the ground and foundation of their works. We instinctively know the importance of prayer in every endeavour: to turn to prayer reveals a fundamental humility crucial to receiving or understanding anything of God; to turn from prayer betrays a soul that trusts in himself. If we desire to grow in our prayer faithfulness or depth, we can do no better than to study the bible’s prayer book. When I reflect on a psalm I often ask what I learn about three things: my circumstances, my God, and myself. By “my circumstances” I mean this in both a personal and general way, in other words understanding the world in which I live.
Consider for example, Psalm 46, a favourite for many (please take a moment to read it):
1) What does it say of our circumstances?
- We will face trials (v1b)
- Earthly foundations are not secure (v2)
- We face much opposition and uncertainty (vv3,6)
2) What does it say about God?
- He is our refuge, strength, and present help (vv1,7,11)
- He is our delight (v2)
- He is a firm foundation (5a)
- His Word is authoritative (v6)
- He is with us (vv7,11)
- He rules the earth (vv9,10)
- He is knowable (v10)
3) What does it say about us?
- With God as our help and refuge, we will not fear (v2)
- In Christ (our “holy habitation of the Most High”) we find his gladness, help, assurance, and protection (vv4-7)
- I can know God, but he asks me to “Be still” (purpose to quiet my activity and thoughts, to rest in and upon the Lord) (v10)
- I am never alone (vv1,5,7,11)
I encourage you to try this simple exercise the next time you read a psalm in order to encourage yourself as you pray.
Much love,
Pastor Gary
Lord, I thank you that even when circumstances around me seem so uncertain, my steps unsure, and my opposition so fierce, I know you are with me. Help me quiet my soul such that I know you, and see you, through all things.
