In the book What Happens When We Pray For Our Families, Evelyn Christenson described a prayer discipline that she uses at the time of major events in her family. For example, when Christenson learns of a new grandchild, she searches for a meaningful Bible verse. She meditates on the verse, and then uses it in prayer for the child as he or she develops, is born, grows, and matures.

I celebrated a "decade" birthday recently. On a whim the morning of my birthday, as I began to read Psalm 3, I looked for a verse to memorize, meditate, and pray, as I live my sixty-first year. I found this confession of David's and took it as my own:

Psalm 3:3 – But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (ESV)

Here are some thoughts and prayers that I have entertained about my verse:

Lord – You called Yourself "I Am". You told Moses that You show mercy with loving-kindness, and You forgive. For ancient Hebrews, only the High Priest was permitted to say Your name once a year on the Day of Atonement while inside the temple's Holy of Holies. Jesus taught us to call You "Father". Paul wrote that the Holy Spirit witnesses to our spirits that we are God's children and we cry out, Abba-Daddy! Whenever we want, on account of Christ's redemptive work, we may come boldly to Your throne of grace and call You "Dad".

A shield about me – Lord, You protect me!

My glory – A simple definition of glory is "heavy with wealth and honour". Lord, You are my "heavy". Lord, You are my wealth.

Lifter of my head – David was running for his life from his son Absalom when he wrote this psalm. Yet, David's confession was that You placed him in a position of strength. Lord, I can be confident in trouble because of what You do!

I am searching out verses to pray for each of my two grandsons. Can I encourage you to look for a verse to meditate on and pray for yourself or someone you love? Yes, please try Christenson's prayer strategy.

Prayer: Father, faith comes by hearing Your Word. Help us to hide a wealth of Your Word in our hearts so that we may keep You constantly in mind. Thrill us with Your presence and blessing, always. We ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

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About the author:

Pat Bell <llebpat@gmail.com>
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
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