Some years ago, my prayer life, and in many ways my life-life, had grown stale. I knew the truth, but I wasn’t resting in it, rejoicing in it, growing in it. So I began memorizing, meditating upon, and praying Scriptures.
Now I pray every day, loosely in the ancient tradition of the liturgical hours. My Lauds verses (words of praise and preparation) are in the morning. And my Compline verses (words of completion and review) are at bedtime. Different verses for each day and time.
God forbid that I should ever go back to the way it was before! Because everything has changed (not just in my prayer life, but in my life-life). I love to pray now. Love to listen, to explore and grow as his Spirit speaks to me about the day ahead or the day just passed.
I took the pictures above at Mt. Airy Forest, the oldest and largest “urban forest” in the U.S. I’m blessed to live just minutes away, and sometimes walk and pray there.
Praying and meditating on Scripture reinforces the foundation my life is built upon. It also serves as a reminder that God’s living word dwells within me as well. And that it is continuously transforming me into what he created me to be.
Much like the forest I walk in.
In difficult times, sometimes truth becomes even a dangerous thing.
Why did Jesus die?
Beautiful pics. Happy for you discovering a personal prayer approach that reinvigorated you! I wouldn’t make it through a single day without prayer and gratitude.
How do people keep emotionally stable without praying? Your reliance on a specific routine of prayer is a wonderful habit to adopt for mind, body, and soul. Thanks for sharing your success story, Mitch. 🙂
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Prayer and meditating are a great combination.
Your journey is encouraging. I appreciate you sharing. No matter the age, we are a work in progress.
So true, San.
Awesome, thanks for sharing
My privilege, Anonymous friend.
Amen. Even your title is nourishing.
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Routine matters! I find the Psalms a good source of words to pray back to Him.
I can understand why, Todd.
Prayer and meditation are an important part of my life-life and faith life as well. Thanks for sharing.
My privilege, Chanel.
Lovely! The pictures … & the peace I felt while reading this are inspiring. The events of last week have been heart wrenching & reading this is the perfect way to start a new week … calm & hopeful. I know it can’t erase the weight of last week’s school shooting & assassination but it tells me there is hope.
So glad it brought you a sense of peace and hope, Linda.
This is the Way
how do i pray god’s word back to him
Memorize verses that are important to you, Rudy. Then think about them and speak them to God. Tell Him what they mean to you, and ask Him to guide you.
as for the handwriting
The most powerful prayer is to pray the Word of God. Lovely pictures
Thank you, Beverley.
Beautiful all of it, I just can’t even and don’t want to know a life without prayer. What a beautiful gift.
Amen to that, Kerri.
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This is so wonderful…I recall years ago knowing someone who spoke of “praying the Word”. It’s good to remind ourselves what God is saying and doing–and agreeing with Him. Blessings on your week ahead!
Thank you, you too, Rene!
You’re most welcome.
The rhythm of daily prayer is such a blessing. It seems like every five or six years I change the daily practice, just simply ‘because’… God invited me. The old way had not worn out but just changed.
I understand, Maren. I make changes from time to time too.
Mitch, I wonder if you have tried Lectio Divina (or Visio Divina with images). It is a prayer method that keeps the word/image alive throughout the day.
I have, Madeline. And I agree.
oh—this is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Mitch!!
My privilege, Katie.
This is just the encouragement I needed today! I love to read and study scripture and to pray but it is rare that I memorize or meditate on it, and yet I have benefitted greatly when I have. I love the idea of using it as a form of prayer. And I am such a nature girl – especially to pray – that the pictures of your beautiful forest made me swoon!
So glad it spoke to you, Kara. Blessings!
Refreshing. Peaceful, Serene. Thank you, Mitch.
My privilege, Bob.
My Laud’s verses, 😁 I love it!
Such a beautiful reminder 🙏 Praying Scripture keeps the heart alive and anchored in God’s truth. I’m inspired by how you turned dryness into delight by letting His Word shape your prayers.
Thank you, Livora.
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So true 🙏 maybe the stale, distant times are part of the natural seasons of faith. If it comes too easy, it’s missing the point .
Very true, Gary.
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Praying Scripture is powerful, if we believe God’s Word is true. Because if it’s true, God is preparing us for what He has planned for us, which is “beyond all we can ask or think.” What an exciting way to live!
Absolutely, Annie!
In a similar fashion, I started praying the Daily Office from the Book of Common Prayer (the Anglican version of the liturgical hours) almost 20 years ago. Before that, my prayer life was sporadic at best: I might pray an hour per day for several days, and then slack off.
Since praying the Daily Office, I can honestly say I have missed only one day. I try for morning and evening, but sometimes I miss one of them. Still, it has rejuvenated my walk with Christ and helped bring stability and order to the rest of my life.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Mitch.
Wonderful testimony, Michael.
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