American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 93
ARC Prayer Meeting:
The last time I preached we did an overview of the book of Psalms. We discovered the Psalms was the language of our souls that covers every season of our lives, even unto death, “For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death” (Psalms 48:14).
We learned that the Psalter according to Dietrich Bonhoffer was “The prayer book of Jesus Christ in the truest sense of the word.” If we were to sum up the Psalms through the vision and mission of Jesus, it would be this. The Psalms reveal the story of a great King who suffers for a righteous and just cause, which is God’s salvation and His Kingdom established in the earth, who seeks His Father for vindication for the betrayal He endures to fulfill God’s will, who ultimately triumphs in time and history.
We must see Psalms through the life of our Lord if we will ever discover the true revelation of God’s Word. Remember, He said all that is written in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms points to Him (Luke 24:44).
In the Psalms, before the church ever prays them, Jesus was ordained to pray them. We are merely following where He has trod in God’s Word. His prayers become our prayers. Here are some samples to consider.
Psalm 2: Jesus, You are the true King. Teach me to trust Your rule in my life and the world.
Psalm 22: Jesus, You entered my suffering. Help me cling to You in mine. The suffering of this present world is not worthy to compare to the glory which is yet to come.
Psalm 23: Jesus, You are the good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. Shepherd my soul today.
Psalm 16: Jesus, You conquered death. Fill me with resurrection hope that I can truly believe death where is your sting? Grave where is your victory?
Psalm 110: Jesus, You reign. According to your Word, intercede for me, save me to the uttermost, and strengthen my faith.
Psalm 118: Jesus, You are the cornerstone. Help build my life on You.
Psalm 40: Jesus, help me walk in obedience as You did. “Then I said, Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”
Psalm 69: Jesus, You know my pain. Grant me the endurance and zeal I need to overcome like you did.
