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Praying the Psalms
The book of Psalms in the Bible has always been the prayerbook of the people of God. Some psalms are an individual prayer and some are the prayer of the community. Some psalms are for praising or thanking God and others express trust in God. Some are prayers of "lament" or expressions of grief and pain. The "psalmists" (writers of the psalms) were very honest about their thoughts and feelings when they spoke with God. Whatever it is that you need to express to God can usually be found in the book of Psalms.
If you are struggling and would like to speak with God but don't quite know what to say, use a psalm. When you read it (aloud is good!) the Holy Spirit will communicate all that needs to be said. The individual psalms of lament include Psalm 5, 6, 10, 25, 26, 27, 38, 142, 143 and 13 which is printed below. In place of "enemy," you may wish to name your foe -- cancer, depression, addiction, family conflict -- whatever is on your heart and mind.
Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I bear pain in my soul,
and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!
Give light to my eyes or I will sleep the sleep of death,
and my enemy will say, "I have prevailed;"
my foe will rejoice because I am shaken.
But I trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
(New Revised Standard Version)
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