Praying the Psalms

Be filled with the Spirit by reciting psalms, hymns,

and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing

and make music to the Lord with your hearts.

EPHESIANS 5:18-19

CONSIDER WHAT THE MOST respected church fathers like Athanasius and Augustine taught about using psalms. They said we should attempt to adjust our minds so that we are in tune with the psalms, and try to sing the psalms with the help of the Holy Spirit. Praying the psalms is a school for the attitudes of the heart.

For example, when reading Psalm 1, "Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people," we reject the advice that wicked people give. When you read, "He delights in the teachings of the LORD," do not pat yourself on the back as if you were a person who already loved the Lord's teachings. Think of yourself as a person who desperately needs to love God's teachings even more. When you read, "He succeeds in everything he does," you live this way for yourself and work for those who find themselves in trouble.

Practice on different psalms. You will be successful as soon as you have learned how to make just one verse come alive and live in your heart - even if it takes a day or a whole week. You will find a rich treasure of insight and love.