Write Your Own Psalm
By Dean Collins
Have you ever considered writing your own psalm? I’m not suggesting that either of us could improve on David’s beautiful psalms, but writing our own psalm might help us focus our thoughts in prayer and praise to God.
The book of Psalms has served as God’s people’s prayer book for centuries. Many of its psalms have been set to music and are still sung in churches around the world. We should continue that practice. But taking a few minutes to write your own prayer of praise might become a meaningful way to deepen your conversation with God.
In recent years I have written a short prayer at the end of each devotional. That practice helps me apply what God has shown me in Scripture each day. As I read Psalm 107, I noticed a pattern that might be worth returning to from time to time as you seek to deepen your own prayer life.
When you write your psalm, don’t worry about trying to be poetic. I am not asking you to compete with Brandon Lake or Chris Tomlin in writing lyrics for worship. The goal isn’t to write poetry. The goal is to express your heart honestly to God and deepen your focus in prayer.
Here is a simple outline you might try:
· Lord, I thank You because…
· I remember when…
· I cried out to You…
· You answered by…
· Today I praise You because…
· Help me never forget…
Years ago, as I thought about my children and grandchildren, I decided to write these devotionals and prayers so they would have a glimpse into my interior life. I wanted them to see—and hopefully learn from—my focus on Scripture and prayer. When I started, I simply sent them a verse of Scripture and a brief thought or prayer. Over time, my passion for writing these devotional thoughts and prayers has helped me pay closer attention to what God is communicating in His Word—not only in understanding it but also in applying it.
Perhaps today is the day to write your own psalm of thanksgiving. Remember the times you cried out to God—and the ways He answered. Write them down while they are still fresh enough to tell. Like the people in Psalm 107, let your prayers become the foundation of your praise.
Today we give thanks to You, Lord, for You are good and Your faithful love endures forever. Today we will tell others what You have done in our lives. We remember the times we cried out to You in despair, and You calmed us, showed us a path forward, and provided for our needs. We praise You for bringing us through so many storms. Help us never forget Your steadfast love and Your daily gifts of mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 107 ESV
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