Psalm 111:1-2
New International Version (NIV): Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in 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 10-13):
When I gather with those who love the Lord, I will testify of Your blessings and miracles. I will tell of Your beauty and love. I wish that I had the words to give them a picture of who You are. I wish the words of my heart came to my voice in praise for You. Your works are so deep and gracious that my friends and I delight in repeating them to each other. You are my Creator and Redeemer. You bring water out of the dry land and give hope where before there was none. I meditate on Your character day and night.