In the Book of Psalms, David gave us wonderful examples of writing out the cry of one’s heart to God. He wrote down his prayers and songs to God. He was honest and spared no emotion. These psalms became both a written prayer book and songbook for the Jewish people.
Through the centuries, observant Jews have used Scriptures, especially these psalms, in prayer as they pray at least three times a day. Acts 4:23-30 gives an example of praying a psalm in the early church in the Jewish tradition. Psalms have continued to be a part of the prayers of the church, especially in monastic life and church liturgy.
Praying God’s Word, the Bible, in a strict sense includes quoting it and using it in our prayers. God responds to His own Word. It will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11).
Pray in Christ
One of the best books on praying the psalms is by theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It’s called Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible. Bonhoeffer, you may remember, was a pastor in Germany during World War II and was put to death by the Nazis for participating in a plot on Hitler’s life.
His book on the Psalms guides the Christian to the Scriptures for lessons in how to pray. The book also gives some general background on the history and use of the Psalms as the prayer book of the Bible. In the main part of the book, he presents one possible system of categorizing the psalms according to their petitions, and also points out that they can be organized according to the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. He also shows us how the psalms are to be prayed in Christ, of whom they also testify (Luke 24:44).
The Psalms reflect every human emotion, but they are emotions seen in relationship to God. Every psalm was written in the presence of God. The Psalms teach us how to be honest before God. Being honest before God when praying, especially about negative thoughts, attitudes, emotions, and actions, blesses you beyond measure.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
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