Discovering the Way of Prayer

Long ago, like way back in the 90’s, I came across a book that took different scriptures and turned them into personal prayers. On days when I couldn’t seem to find the words for prayer or needed some inspiration, I would open it up and read the scripture inserting my thoughts where there were blanks along the way. This is where my prayer life and bible study began to merge.

My perspective looks different now. I no longer see prayer and scripture as two distinct spiritual disciplines. Talking to God brings bits and pieces of scripture to mind which spurs me to dig deeper into God’s story. It flows the other way too. Reading God’s word inspires thoughts and questions I turn upward to God as prayer. What began as fill-in-the-blank prayers taken from the Bible is now a continuing conversation with the Author of all stories.

This is the best description I have for meditation. It’s the place where prayer and scripture merge in a way that reveals God’s work in me and in the world. It takes both intention and attention. And it is not new. We see it throughout the scriptures.

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.
_{Genesis 24:63 KJV}

David began the book of Psalms with the idea.

…but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
_{Psalm 1:2 NIV}

We see Jesus withdraw to spend time with God.

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
_{Luke 5:16 NIV}

So much has transformed since my early days of scripture prayer. No longer are we confined to radio stations or published works. Deep study doesn’t require a dinner table covered in reference books. With a couple of key strokes I look up definitions, explore commentary, and share with others what God has so graciously given me.

Still the main thing remains. A heart compelled to know the Author of my story until I am filled with love and light and goodness. So full that it overflows into the world, and I discover all the ways I am called to share.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
_{Luke 6:38 NIV}

Oh how I pray you discover it too.

This week you’ll find my humble offerings of scripture-based prayer. Just click on your preferred listening platform below to explore guided meditations on Psalms 1-10.