Psalm 145:18-19

New International Version (NIV): The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

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 18-19): You are near to me. When I call to You, You are there. Many times, I don’t feel Your presence, and I doubt Your closeness, but then You come through for me in ways that show that You were there all the time. My expectations lead me to doubt, but Your ways are beyond anything that I expected. You are more faithful and patient with me and my doubts than I deserve. The truth of Your presence is far greater than my shallow perceptions. You know my needs and desires and prepare tokens of love to surprise me. You protect me from dangers that I am not even aware of. When I am in need of rescue, You have already prepared a solution. It is not usually the solution that I was expecting, but it is the right solution for my situation. I do not know what the future holds for me, but I know that You will be there with me even when I doubt, and You will provide the security and peace that I need on the journey. Stay with me always!