Psalm 116:5-6

New International Version (NIV): The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.

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 5-6): 

You extend Your generous nature to all that You touch. There is no corruption in You. Through and through You are clean and pure and kind. There is nothing bent or crooked about You. Your touch purifies me and cleanses my own corruption transforming my deadened potential into life. The cynicism and defeat that overshadow my heart melt into the simplicity of love and trust in You. You are faithful to cover me in Your protection. You guard my heart with Your mercy and love. You see me to the depths and bring me out of my agony of death into Your joy in life.