Sitting with Scripture

“Oh Lord, hear my plea for justice

Listen to my cry for help,

Pay attention to my prayer

For it comes from honest lips.” 

This morning as I sat with this Psalm, I felt something catch my attention in the first line. I know that when that happens, it is God inviting me to stay there for a bit and to explore a bit deeper. It is hard to describe because it feels very small, and quite subtle. As I sat, I realized that the idea of needing justice today didn’t resonate with me and so I told God that. But rather than just carrying on to the rest of the Scripture, I realized that there was a question from the Spirit in response:

what do you have need of today, my child? 

I sat with God, and I prayed that verse from Psalm 17 again, but this time I inserted what I had need of: 

“O Lord, hear my plea for ……….

Listen to my cry for help”

Sometimes I sit with a Psalm, or even a single verse or two from one Psalm for many days.

This practice of ‘sitting with Scripture’ is a way that we can engage with more intention, and listen with more attention to the voice of the Spirit. This way of slowing down and holding a conversation with God, while reading Scripture allows it to go deep into our own spirits, and this is the way the the Living Word can slowly transform our wayward hearts.

As I engage in this way, the Spirit nestles the word more deeply within my own spirit. During the day, I might be reminded of my need again and so I will pray those same verses again:

“O Lord, hear my plea for…….” 

Listen to my cry for help.” 

And that is one way that we are able to ‘pray continually’ as Paul admonishes in 1 Thess.5:16. 

Perhaps today you know of someone who could use your prayers and you can pray on their behalf as the Spirit brings them to mind: 

“O Lord, hear my plea for my friend…

Listen to our cry for help… “

We can be honest with God about our needs. What do you have need of today? Is it peace… hope… strength…. guidance? I invite you to pray the first verse of Psalm 17 again, letting God know what your need is today.

Peace to you,

Kristen