If Half of Our Prayer is us Talking to Ourselves, Learn to do it Right!

Dan Sullivan   -  

When I call out, answer me, O God who vindicates me!
Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place.
Have mercy on me and respond to my prayer!
You men, how long will you try to turn my honor into shame?
How long will you love what is worthless and search for what is deceptive?
Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor; the Lord responds when I cry out to him.
Tremble with fear and do not sin!
Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways!
Psalms 4:1–4 NET Read More

Another approach to the Psalms is to grow empathy in us as we pray. These are prayers that were sincere from the hearts and mouths of God’s people moved by the Holy Spirit in their various circumstances.
It’s easy for us to look at someone suffering and have all of the answers, but those answers are seldom welcome during a person’s critical time of pain. Instead, what do we do? We say it to ourselves. We correct them to ourselves in our head. Don’t say you don’t do it!
This Psalm is one of those where the person in prayer is considering their visible circumstances and then considers the reality of God helping them. As much as we worry and tear ourselves down, learning to correct ourselves and say things like “meditate on your bed and repent of your ways!” can really grow us in Christ. He cares for us and He wants to cheer us on every day, in every circumstance.
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