Have you ever found yourself struggling to know what to pray? If so, you’re not alone! I have heard many people say before, and found myself in these moments too, where one reason we don’t pray is because we worry we won’t know what to say.

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This is where the concept of “praying Scripture” comes in. God knows us so well, doesn’t he? And he knows that so often our words fall short. What a blessing, though, that in the Bible, we have all of HIS words that we can pray back to him! Not only does this method give us “something to say,” but more importantly, it aligns our hearts with God’s.

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1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” When we pray Scripture, we can be sure that it is according to his will! So, the next time you’re struggling for the words, crack open your Bible and find your inspiration there!

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One of my favorite passages to allow to guide my prayers is Psalm 30. It begins with praise, weaving in confession and supplication and thanksgiving to God throughout.

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As you read the following words of this psalm, pause at each line. Make it personal. Think of a specific instance in your life where God did what the psalmist is describing or showed up for you in a similar way. Make the words not just something you’re reading, but the genuine prayer of your heart to God this morning.

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Psalm 30

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David.

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1 I will exalt you, LORD,

   for you lifted me out of the depths

   and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 LORD my God, I called to you for help,

   and you healed me.

3 You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;

   you spared me from going down to the pit.

4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people;

   praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,

   but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may stay for the night,

   but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,

   “I will never be shaken.”

7 LORD, when you favored me,

   you made my royal mountain stand firm;

but when you hid your face,

   I was dismayed.

8 To you, LORD, I called;

   to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 “What is gained if I am silenced,

   if I go down to the pit?

Will the dust praise you?

   Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me;

   LORD, be my help.”

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;

   you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.

   LORD my God, I will praise you forever. (NIV)