Praying the PsalmsSample

Psalm 1

The twelve disciples watched Jesus do many things. He performed miracles like turning water into wine. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He told stories or parables that helped him teach a faith lesson. But only one time did the disciples ask Jesus to teach them something. Was it how to walk on the water? Was it how to feed 5,000 people? Was it how to worship or how to preach a great sermon? No. Just once, they asked him to teach them. Luke 11:1 (MSG) says, “One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”

“Teach us to pray.” At least one of his followers knew that the most important of all the spiritual disciplines was connecting with the Father in prayer.

The book of Psalms is just that. It is the longest book in our Bible, containing 150 chapters of prayers, hymns, and meditations, each an opportunity to connect with God in an intimate and holy way. Most scholars agree six different authors penned it over a time span of several hundred years. David wrote many. His son, Solomon, composed at least two. Even Moses gets an author byline. The book of Psalms is a great place to start if you want to learn how to pray.

Psalm 1 is a meditation that sets the tone for all of the other psalms. If you want to be blessed, walk with God, and study the Word, the Bible. If you delight in the Law, the Torah, you will find delight in the presence of God.

Our blessed life is compared to a flourishing tree with deep roots. In the Zin Wilderness of Israel, likely where David spent several years of his life, a traveler can find trees along tall riverbanks, 20 to 30 feet in height or more from the top of the rim to the river below. Interestingly, you will see exposed tree roots that reach down along the wall’s edge, all the way to the water below. Those trees are reaching deep for living water. Their leafy canopies are strong and wide, providing shade and sturdy shelter.

Choosing to begin each day with God, studying his word, and meditating on its promises and truths, will produce a spiritual harvest in your life of strength, wisdom, protection, and blessing. God promises that right at the outset in Psalm 1.

Prayer

God. Abba. Father.

Thank you for blessing those who refuse to follow evil advice or to be trapped into following sinners or those who mock your holy name. Thank you for filling us with your Holy Spirit so that we may embrace your word and your truths. And as we do so, we are happy and blessed. We find delight in meditating on your Word day and night. We find joy in thinking about ways to honor you and follow you. You say we are like a tree planted along a stream that never fails to bear fruit. May we be ever mindful that your ways lead to success!

Protect us from those who are evil. Without a firm foundation, we don’t want to be blown about like the wind. Thank you for your grace. On the day of judgment, you will receive us with all those who call on your name. You protect everyone who follows you.

And Lord, we pray today for those who do not follow you, whose choices lead to ruin. May your Holy Spirit call them to you. May they bow their knees to you and your overwhelming grace.

We love you, God, and offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.