Psalm 139:1-4

New International Version (NIV): For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.

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 1-4): 

Dearest of all Friends, You have remained a true friend even when I have not. When I ignored You, You did not reject me. You did not ignore me. You have peered deep inside of me and loved me for who I am. Even though You know all the mean, selfishness that exists inside of me, You remain with me, loving me. You have seen me at my best and worst. You are with me when I go to work or the store or visit friends or go to church. You are with me when I am at home, even when I am sleeping. You have stuck with me when I’ve been grouchy, childish, angry, and giving up. You know what I am thinking even before I am conscious of the direction of my thoughts. Even knowing my boring, petty opinions, You stay with me. You don’t get tired of me. You are always aware of all the rhythms of my life. No part of me is hidden from You. You not only know everything I say; You know it before it comes out of my mouth. You know me completely, and yet You still want me, not as a number to add to Your kingdom, but because You want the unique person who is me. You love me and value me and are never bored with me. Everything I do, say, and think is important to You. All that I am will remain important to You through all eternity. No one will ever replace me in Your affections. And as I change and grow, You will love who I become as much as You love who I am now.