Psalm 4:6-8

English Standard Version (ESV): There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

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 6-8): I see people who are depressed about their lives. They seem to feel oppressed at work and at home. I, too, have feelings of oppression, but being with You disperses my feelings of anxiety and brings me a peace that I have difficulty explaining to others. From You, I receive an understanding that my life has purpose and that You do not care if I am successful or not. You simply desire my presence with You. Others approach You for wealth and material goods. I simply want Your presence in my life. They receive their stuff and remain unhappy. I receive Your tokens of love and find more joy than any amount of money could buy. I see Your working in my life, and I am comforted because You were planning ways to develop my skills and talents years before I committed myself to working with You. Now, I have the joy of being with You in service and the peace of knowing that You have been with me always. I do not fear the future because You are with me now, and I know that You will be with me in my future just as You were in my past. In that security, I can rest in peace.