Praying the Psalms: Finding Strength & Hope in Your PrayersSample

If you grew up singing in church, you are likely familiar with the works of Johnson Oatman Jr. Born in 1856, Oatman wrote more than 5,000 songs and hymns during his 66 years on earth. One of his masterpieces was the hymn "Count Your Blessings." If you're not familiar with the tune, the first three verses contrast a person dwelling on the difficulties of life. The chorus, however, focuses instead on enumerating God's blessings. When the fourth verse finally arrives, Oatman suggests that whether one's conflict is big or small, don't become discouraged, because God is over all. A simple message that all of us can remember. Counting your blessings can be difficult at times. We often forget all the ways God has benefitted our lives and His faithfulness toward us in the midst of trouble or suffering. That's why some of us need signs in our homes or other symbols that remind us of all those many blessings. But the blessings aren't simply material things in our lives like our home, retirement account, or food in the pantry. The most important blessing is what David described in Psalm 103: God's faithfulness and love for all of us. In Psalm 103, David used three powerful metaphors to describe the greatest blessing of all. First, he said God's mercy is as great as the distance from heaven to earth (v. 11). Second, he said God's forgiveness is greater than the distance between east and west (v. 12). Finally, David said God's compassion for us is like the compassion a father has for his child (v. 13). This Psalm should make us rejoice and praise God for His wonderous love. As you pray, remember all the ways God has blessed you and your family. Rejoice and praise God for His mercy and love toward you. Find a practical and daily way to remind yourself to thank God for the many blessings you enjoy. But like yesterday, go further. Use your blessings, whether material, physical, emotional, or spiritual, to be a blessing to others. Reflect that same mercy God has shown you to others who need it; seek forgiveness toward those who have wronged you. Think creatively about ways in which God can use you to spread the blessing of His love.