During my devotions today, I ventured back into the book of Psalms. A time spent reading and praying praises to the Lord was something much needed for me. ‘Why not start at the beginning?’ I thought. So I flipped to page 561 in my Bible. Right before the book actually began, there was a little section titled “Jesus in Psalms”, written by Phil Callaway, and I gave it a quick read. In regards to the Psalms, it said “These are not sanitized Sunday school poems or the prayers of well-behaved people who had all their picture frames level. These are the honest heart-cries of abandoned, hunted, and train-wrecked people — and prayers of triumph and worship, too. There are three types of prayers in Psalms: Help! Thanks! Awesome!”
I read that and thought about how much the words “help, thanks, awesome” apply to how I speak to God. Often my prayers fall under one of these categories. So for my blog I decided to write prayers to our Father in each category. All three prayers that I wrote out are in a loose poem format, though I know nothing about poetry haha. They’re also very relevant to my life recently. Vulnerability through writing is super difficult for me, but I’m giving it a shot!!! Without further ado, Help, Thanks, Awesome.
Help
I want to praise you, O Lord,
though I feel I can’t
I’m drowning in the desert,
and I forget you’ll lead me through.
Things are bleak,
but there is light
in You.
Help, Lord, for I cannot
run to You.
when I’m trapped within myself.
You are my fortress,
but it feels like the storm is inside.
You alone are my inheritance,
my cup of blessing,*
when I am undeserving.
Keep me safe
Keep me sane
Bring me out
through my pain
Thanks
Worthy is the Lord, the King of all kings
who pulls us through the darkness.
At all times You are in control.
You have worked wonders
within, and so without.
I can’t help but sing
my thanks and praises to you, Father
I cried to You and for You,
and You answered by opening my eyes to your favor.
The brightness of your light
caused me to laugh with joy.
Praise the Lord!
I will boast only in the Lord**
who rescues those
whose spirits are crushed.***
Awesome
Nothing was, is, or ever will be
impossible for our Mighty God.
He has created a world
in which He is fully present.
He has shaped every feature,
whether geographical or biological.
His design shouts his praises every day,
and we are hard-pressed not to join in.
Father to the fatherless, defender of
widows–
this is God, whose dwelling is holy.****
Our sins are forgiven
and we are freed by his sacrificial love.
How great is our God!
