Psalm 139:8-10

New International Version (NIV): If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

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 8-10): 

You are faithful and relentless in Your love and protection of Your children. I know that wherever I am, You are there holding back the predators. When I am happy and feeling close to You, You are there, but when I am feeling depressed and discouraged and defeated and alone, You are there also, so I am not alone at all. When I awake in the morning, I can count on You being there and that You have been there with me in my sleep. No matter where I go, You are with me. Whether I am home or in a strange foreign land where they deny Your existence, You are still there. Whether I am at work or driving in traffic, You are there. You guide my movements onto the paths that are best, and You hold me safe in Your arms, even when I can’t feel it.