Psalm 115:16-18

International Standard Version (ISV): The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but he gave the earth to human beings. Neither can the dead praise the LORD, nor those who go down into the silence of death. But we will bless the LORD from now to eternity. Hallelujah!

Directions:  Choose a translation of the Bible that you easily understand, but that has depth of meaning.  I recommend that you keep a special journal just for praying the Psalms.  Try praying the Psalms for yourself before reading my version of these verses.  The point of this method is for the Spirit to speak with your heart and that you will commune with God about how your own experience relates to His word.  I only include my sample to help you understand what I mean in the steps and because it is always good for Christians to share their thoughts about God and experiences with Him.

Step 1:  Choose a verse or two from one of the Psalms and write it out in a notebook. 

Step 2: After reading a thought from the verse, begin writing your own version of that thought.  This is not exactly paraphrasing the Psalmist’s words although you can paraphrase if you wish.  This is taking the thought and applying it to your own life and changing the words to fit your own experience.  Continue writing about your experience with God until you no longer have anything more to say.

Step 3:  Go to the next thought in the verse and repeat Step 2. 

Step 4:  Continue this process until you feel satisfied that you are finished or until the verse’s thoughts are finished.

My version (verses 16-18): 

You created the universes and can give Your creations to whomever You wish. You chose to give this earth that You made beautifully and in perfection to us. When we chose to sin, we took our planet down with us. You loved us so much that You partially destroyed Your beautiful creation in order to save us. So many have died, separated from You and Your lifegiving love. They will never know the joy of living in a newly remade perfect world. They refused to praise You in life and cannot praise You in death, but I praise You. In the present, I sing and speak and meditate on the power and love and creativity and kindness and unselfishness and joyfulness and comfort and patience and gracefulness that You are, and I will do so throughout all eternity in the miracle of the new earth that will be heaven because You will live with us there. Throughout the ages, we will have the privilege of serving You as You will serve us also. Please, may that age begin soon.