Tom’s Prayer

I’m not sure where I got this idea originally but it’s been one of my most helpful over the last year or two.

The basic idea is to find some scripture that speaks to you about your relationship with God, and then personalize into a prayer you can pray in the future.

For example, here’s Psalm 37:23-24:

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Now here is a personalized version, where it’s me speaking to God. Note how “The Lord” has been changed to “You” and “he” to “I” and “me”.

You direct my steps. You delight in every detail of my life. Though I stumble, I will never fall, or you hold me by the hand.

For me these change makes the scripture more impactful and clearer. It’s easier to see it applying to me when it’s talking about me!

Now yes, you’re taking liberties with scripture, so you have to understand the resulting words aren’t scripture themselves. But they’re meant as an aid in understanding the realities communicated in scripture.

For me the best place to look for scripture to personalize has been Psalms. In my attached prayer note some of the places I’ve used. They may be good places for you to start. And you’re more than welcome to steal my bits.

It might take a while to come up with a good prayer but it’s been well worth it to me. It’s been a great help on the days when I’m feeling down or distance from God to have a reminder of the truth – about God and me!

Here is my prayer as a PDF file: Tom’s Prayer