Praying Scripture

Have you ever found yourself in a prayer rut? For me, it’s feeling like you’re praying for the same things repeatedly, using the same words, and not feeling connected to the Lord. I feel like I’m coming to the Lord with the same boring old pleas, wondering if He’s hearing my prayers as if I’m a malfunctioning robot. I get in my head and beat myself up over allowing myself to get to this place mentally.  

Do you ever feel like this, too? I’ve been there too many times to count! 

When I’m in a rut, I’m reluctant to pray because it feels like I’m essentially saying to God, “Hey God, it’s me again with the same prayers as yesterday. Thanks for listening! Amen!” I don’t know about you, but that’s not the way I want to come before God Almighty!

When I’m struggling with prayer, I feel defeated. I know my heart isn’t connecting with the Holy Spirit, but rather, I’m looking to Him as my genie, readily available to grant my requests, instead of coming before Him in fervent prayer, acknowledging who He is—giving Him all the praise, honor, and glory! 

Embarrassed and feeling like there was something wrong with me or some hidden sin that was keeping me from connecting with God, I confided in a friend how I was feeling far from God. She assured me this was something many experienced and asked if I ever use Scripture to pray. 

I hadn’t, and the idea of using Scripture to pray was extremely intimidating. Some fears and concerns that swirled in my head included not being sure if I would fully understand the text and, therefore, misuse it. What business do I have using God’s Words in my prayers to Him anyway?

My friend encouraged me to look to the Psalms to start; after all, it is a book of prayer and worship. When I came across Psalm 16, I knew the Holy Spirit was guiding me to this chapter to start! I’m not sure if David was running from Saul at the time or what he was doing, but it’s clear to me that this psalm is one of celebration and joy as David trusts God for his daily provision, security, and safety. 

I encourage you to read the entire psalm and pick out a few verses. Below is a little bit of how I’ve used Psalm 16 to guide my prayers! Using Scripture to speak God’s truth over yourself helps remind you of His promises, mercy, grace, and goodness! 

I’ve bolded the Scripture for Psalm 16:1-5, and my prayers are italicized so you can follow along. 

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. (v. 1)

Heavenly Father, You are my refuge—in You, I find safety.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” (v. 2)

Thank You for every good thing You’ve given me. There is nothing good that I have that wasn’t from You! 

The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! (v. 3)

Thank You for allowing me to have godly people in my life whom I can look up to and learn more about You! 

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. (v. 4)

Father, help me to keep my focus on You. I don’t want to get caught up in the ways of the world, making idols out of materialism, positions, or power. 

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. (v. 5)

You provide for all my needs. Your provision is a true blessing!

Today, I challenge you to use Psalm 16 to help shape your prayers, even if you aren’t in a prayer rut! Challenge yourself to see how God shows up in your life daily, working things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.