Psalm 9:7-8

English Standard Version (ESV): But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.

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 7-8): You are the all powerful ruler of all creation, yet that power does not corrupt like it does with humans. Instead, Your rulership is characterized by justice. Everyone can be assured that when they come to You with their afflictions, You will be even-handed and just with no favoritism. However, all of Your justice includes mercy so that even the guilty can repent and be forgiven. You are not tainted in any way. Your decisions are without corruption or taint. It is right that the peoples of the world will be given their verdicts based on Your wisdom. We will be blessed throughout the ages to be governed by You because we can trust You to give outcomes that are both wise and pure. Be our King!