In the Bible David is called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). What does it mean that David had a heart for God?
David longed to draw closer to the Lord. He devoted his whole heart to God. His Psalms are filled with this holy longing of his soul for more of God.
We know that sometimes David strayed from his devotion to the Lord. He had an affair with Bathsheba and then arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle! He neglected his children. He had issues with pride and anger, particularly in his reign as king. But the difficulties that David had living out his whole-hearted dedication to the Lord make him all the more appealing of a role model – we can relate to him!
I urge you to join me and “take heart” from David. Let the heat of his devotion for the Lord warm your heart. Let David’s Psalm 27 prayer kindle the fires of devotion to God in your heart.
My prayer “One Thing” is inspired by Psalm 27. Use it to focus your heart on Christ and his cross as your One Thing to live for.
I am phasing out the "Christian Soul Care Blog" and replacing it with my "Soul Shepherding Blog." 1-2 times per week I post a short prayer practice there. I invite you to sign up.
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Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thoughts as Incense
Distracting thoughts are great enemies of prayer. They can be like buzzing bees that drive us crazy!
Today I enjoyed Sabbath time with Jesus. With My Psalms Prayer Book in hand and candles lit at the altar in my prayer room I kneeled and prayed from Psalm 118.
The Word of God helped inflame the Spirit in my heart and burn away the distracting thoughts until little by little I was centered in God’s presence and my thoughts became as incense…
It lasted awhile. Of course, the bees came back! Lord, help me to keep the fire going! Guard my mind and heart with your peace (Colossians 3:1-3).
Try centering yourself in my Psalm 118 Prayer to calm down your anxious thoughts till they rise as incense prayers to God. Enjoy God’s presence. Re-kindle the fire as often as you can.
Thoughts as Incense (A Prayer from Psalm 118:8-14)
It’s better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in myself;
It’s better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in my thoughts.
~
Distracting thoughts surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off.
They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord Jesus I cut them off.
They swarmed around me like bees; in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I cut them off.
~
I was about to fall, but the Lord freed me from diversion;
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
~
It’s better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in myself;
It’s better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in my thoughts.
~
Distracting thoughts surrounded me, but the fire of the Spirit in me burned them as incense.
They surrounded me on every side, but the fire of the Holy Spirit in me burned them as incense.
They swarmed around me like bees; the fire of the Holy Spirit of Christ in me burned them as incense.
~
I was besieged, but the Lord flamed my thoughts into prayers;
The Lord captivates me with his glory! He is the delight of my heart!
Today I enjoyed Sabbath time with Jesus. With My Psalms Prayer Book in hand and candles lit at the altar in my prayer room I kneeled and prayed from Psalm 118.
The Word of God helped inflame the Spirit in my heart and burn away the distracting thoughts until little by little I was centered in God’s presence and my thoughts became as incense…
It lasted awhile. Of course, the bees came back! Lord, help me to keep the fire going! Guard my mind and heart with your peace (Colossians 3:1-3).
Try centering yourself in my Psalm 118 Prayer to calm down your anxious thoughts till they rise as incense prayers to God. Enjoy God’s presence. Re-kindle the fire as often as you can.
Thoughts as Incense (A Prayer from Psalm 118:8-14)
It’s better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in myself;
It’s better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in my thoughts.
~
Distracting thoughts surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off.
They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord Jesus I cut them off.
They swarmed around me like bees; in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I cut them off.
~
I was about to fall, but the Lord freed me from diversion;
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
~
It’s better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in myself;
It’s better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in my thoughts.
~
Distracting thoughts surrounded me, but the fire of the Spirit in me burned them as incense.
They surrounded me on every side, but the fire of the Holy Spirit in me burned them as incense.
They swarmed around me like bees; the fire of the Holy Spirit of Christ in me burned them as incense.
~
I was besieged, but the Lord flamed my thoughts into prayers;
The Lord captivates me with his glory! He is the delight of my heart!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Devoted to You
David is known as a man after God’s heart because of the way he prays. I so desire to be known as one who has a heart for God, don’t you?
You and I can grow to be more of a person after God’s heart! David shows us how in Psalm 86. In prayer dedicate each aspect of your person to the Lord. Psalm 86 is not well-known, but it’s one of my favorite of David’s prayers. It’s a prayer of whole-hearted devotion to the Lord. Let’s “take heart” from David!
Join me in praying “Devoted to You,” a prayer I adapted from Psalm 86. Linger on each line, praying it slowly and deeply to consecrate all that you are and all that you do the Lord God…
Devoted to You
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul:
Guard my life, O Lord, for I am devoted to you;
Guard my heart, O Father, for I love you with all my choices;
Guard my mind, O Jesus, for I fix my thoughts on following you;
Guard my body, O Spirit, for I give it to be your temple;
Guard my relationships, O Trinity, for I center my conversations on you.
Hear my prayer, O Lord.
~
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul:
I offer my eyes to you, O Lord, to behold your beauty;
I offer my lips to you, O Father, to speak your praises;
I offer my ears to you, O Jesus, to listen to your words;
I offer my steps to you, O Spirit, to follow your movements;
I offer my life to you, O Trinity, to honor you alone.
Hear my prayer, O Lord.
~
Learn more about how You Can Be the Disciple Jesus Loves!
You and I can grow to be more of a person after God’s heart! David shows us how in Psalm 86. In prayer dedicate each aspect of your person to the Lord. Psalm 86 is not well-known, but it’s one of my favorite of David’s prayers. It’s a prayer of whole-hearted devotion to the Lord. Let’s “take heart” from David!
Join me in praying “Devoted to You,” a prayer I adapted from Psalm 86. Linger on each line, praying it slowly and deeply to consecrate all that you are and all that you do the Lord God…
Devoted to You
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul:
Guard my life, O Lord, for I am devoted to you;
Guard my heart, O Father, for I love you with all my choices;
Guard my mind, O Jesus, for I fix my thoughts on following you;
Guard my body, O Spirit, for I give it to be your temple;
Guard my relationships, O Trinity, for I center my conversations on you.
Hear my prayer, O Lord.
~
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul:
I offer my eyes to you, O Lord, to behold your beauty;
I offer my lips to you, O Father, to speak your praises;
I offer my ears to you, O Jesus, to listen to your words;
I offer my steps to you, O Spirit, to follow your movements;
I offer my life to you, O Trinity, to honor you alone.
Hear my prayer, O Lord.
~
Learn more about how You Can Be the Disciple Jesus Loves!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Be Still as the Lake at Dawn
Have you ever meditated on a nature setting as a way to listen to God? God reveals himself and his purposes for us through his creation. Praying a Psalm in its Nature Setting is a favorite spiritual practice of mine.
For instance, many times in the early morning I have met with Jesus by meditating at Woodbridge North Lake near my home in Irvine, CA.
The image of the still lake is imbeded deep in my conscious and my prayers. It draws me into the quiet. It opens my heart to listen. It centers me in God’s presence. It reflects heaven to me in surprising ways.
And it inspired my prayer poem: “Be Still.”
Be Still
Be still as the lake at Dawn
In a world that wakes to alarms and agendas:
Quietly rest so you can listen;
Breathe and open to your soul;
Wait patiently to receive what is to come,
Softly absorb the light as a looking glass.
~
Be still to know the I AM;
Let the “rush hour” pass by your silence:
The Voice whispers to create Life;
It swims and plays deep within you;
As holy feet step upon your waters
Heaven’s Face smiles upon you
– and out from you.
~
Be still as the lake at Dawn;
Be still to know the I AM;
In a world that wakes to alarms and agendas
Let the “rush hour” pass by your silence.
~
Quietly rest so you can listen:
The Voice whispers to create Life;
Breathe and open to your soul
It swims and plays deep within you.
~
Wait patiently to receive what is to come,
As holy feet step upon your waters;
Softly absorb the light as a looking glass,
Heaven’s Face smiles upon you
– and out from you.
For instance, many times in the early morning I have met with Jesus by meditating at Woodbridge North Lake near my home in Irvine, CA.
The image of the still lake is imbeded deep in my conscious and my prayers. It draws me into the quiet. It opens my heart to listen. It centers me in God’s presence. It reflects heaven to me in surprising ways.
And it inspired my prayer poem: “Be Still.”
Be Still
Be still as the lake at Dawn
In a world that wakes to alarms and agendas:
Quietly rest so you can listen;
Breathe and open to your soul;
Wait patiently to receive what is to come,
Softly absorb the light as a looking glass.
~
Be still to know the I AM;
Let the “rush hour” pass by your silence:
The Voice whispers to create Life;
It swims and plays deep within you;
As holy feet step upon your waters
Heaven’s Face smiles upon you
– and out from you.
~
Be still as the lake at Dawn;
Be still to know the I AM;
In a world that wakes to alarms and agendas
Let the “rush hour” pass by your silence.
~
Quietly rest so you can listen:
The Voice whispers to create Life;
Breathe and open to your soul
It swims and plays deep within you.
~
Wait patiently to receive what is to come,
As holy feet step upon your waters;
Softly absorb the light as a looking glass,
Heaven’s Face smiles upon you
– and out from you.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Jesus Smiles at You!
The most important thing in your life is that you see Jesus smiling at you! Then a smile will come to your face and to the people around you!
Do you see Jesus smiling at you? Do you ever pause to think about this and smile your appreciation in reply?
A smile is a powerful prayer! It can help you to overcome discouragement, worry, frustration, loneliness, or boredom – really!
Jesus welcomes you to come closer. He’s interested in how you’re feeling and what you’re doing – he enjoys knowing you and being your Friend. And to have the Lord God Almighty as your Friend is the best blessing!
Jesus opens his heart to you. He wants to encourage you and to guide you on the path of life with him. Follow Jesus and discover that, YOU are the disciple Jesus loves!
Here’s a favorite Breath Prayer of mine that I developed after my first two years of Praying the Psalms with Jesus everyday:
* “Jesus delights in me… I delight in you my Lord” (inspired by Psalm 18:19; 37:4, 23).
Breathe in (with a smile!): “Jesus delights in me…”
Breathe out (still smiling!): “I delight in you my Lord.”
Try it for a few minutes now, slowly and softly repeating it over and over…
As you go about your day breathe it in and out whenever you can remember: “Jesus delights in me… I delight in you my Lord.”
One breath. One prayer. It may seem like a little thing but it can make help you to do whatever you’re doing with and for Jesus – and to smile with the joy of the Lord!
Do you see Jesus smiling at you? Do you ever pause to think about this and smile your appreciation in reply?
A smile is a powerful prayer! It can help you to overcome discouragement, worry, frustration, loneliness, or boredom – really!
Jesus welcomes you to come closer. He’s interested in how you’re feeling and what you’re doing – he enjoys knowing you and being your Friend. And to have the Lord God Almighty as your Friend is the best blessing!
Jesus opens his heart to you. He wants to encourage you and to guide you on the path of life with him. Follow Jesus and discover that, YOU are the disciple Jesus loves!
Here’s a favorite Breath Prayer of mine that I developed after my first two years of Praying the Psalms with Jesus everyday:
* “Jesus delights in me… I delight in you my Lord” (inspired by Psalm 18:19; 37:4, 23).
Breathe in (with a smile!): “Jesus delights in me…”
Breathe out (still smiling!): “I delight in you my Lord.”
Try it for a few minutes now, slowly and softly repeating it over and over…
As you go about your day breathe it in and out whenever you can remember: “Jesus delights in me… I delight in you my Lord.”
One breath. One prayer. It may seem like a little thing but it can make help you to do whatever you’re doing with and for Jesus – and to smile with the joy of the Lord!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Breathe a Prayer - it's Simple and Delightful!
In my teaching, counseling, and leading of retreats I find that people greatly benefit from learning how to use a “Breath Prayer” approach to meditating on a phrase from the Bible.
A reader of the Soul Shepherding Blog asked me for help in learning to do this…
My recent post, God’s Word to Me (based on my meditations from Psalm 19), included a number of Breath Prayers. Let’s take one as example (many of the short prayers I post work like this)…
“Jesus… I smile in your light.”
This easy and joyful prayer is a deep and profound response to God’s Kingdom in our midst!
Jesus said that he is the Light of the World and that we are lights to shine for him in the world. When we trust in him his light shines on us and all around us from above, inside us to permeate our whole being, and through us to bless everyone we come into contact with. This is by the Holy Spirit (“the Spirit of Christ”).
Light is the source and sustaining power behind all life on earth. Light is what enables us to see.
Smiling to Jesus helps us to appreciate that indeed he lights on us, smiles his favor on us, 24×7.
Try slooooowly breathing in and out:
Jesus… I smile in your light
Jesus… I smile in your light
Jesus… I smile in your light
Using a Breath Prayer like this will help you to meditate on and enter into the reality of God’s glorious kingdom.
Breathe in as you whisper: “Jesus…”
Breathe out (and smile!) as you whisper: “I smile in your light.”
Pause and then repeat the prayer.
Slowly breathing a prayer helps you to meditate or marinate in God’s Word, connecting with Christ and taking his words way into your heart (which is your will that orients your whole life).
Breathing in is an expression of receiving or internalizing God’s Word and Spirit.
Breathing out is an expression of releasing tensions and controls. Also it can be viewed as overflowing with (sharing) God’s Word and Spirit with others.
For more help see my articles on Centering Prayer and Breath Prayer.
Also, I tweet a centering “Breath Prayer” from the Psalms 1-2 times per day: http://twitter.com/billgaultiere.
A reader of the Soul Shepherding Blog asked me for help in learning to do this…
My recent post, God’s Word to Me (based on my meditations from Psalm 19), included a number of Breath Prayers. Let’s take one as example (many of the short prayers I post work like this)…
“Jesus… I smile in your light.”
This easy and joyful prayer is a deep and profound response to God’s Kingdom in our midst!
Jesus said that he is the Light of the World and that we are lights to shine for him in the world. When we trust in him his light shines on us and all around us from above, inside us to permeate our whole being, and through us to bless everyone we come into contact with. This is by the Holy Spirit (“the Spirit of Christ”).
Light is the source and sustaining power behind all life on earth. Light is what enables us to see.
Smiling to Jesus helps us to appreciate that indeed he lights on us, smiles his favor on us, 24×7.
Try slooooowly breathing in and out:
Jesus… I smile in your light
Jesus… I smile in your light
Jesus… I smile in your light
Using a Breath Prayer like this will help you to meditate on and enter into the reality of God’s glorious kingdom.
Breathe in as you whisper: “Jesus…”
Breathe out (and smile!) as you whisper: “I smile in your light.”
Pause and then repeat the prayer.
Slowly breathing a prayer helps you to meditate or marinate in God’s Word, connecting with Christ and taking his words way into your heart (which is your will that orients your whole life).
Breathing in is an expression of receiving or internalizing God’s Word and Spirit.
Breathing out is an expression of releasing tensions and controls. Also it can be viewed as overflowing with (sharing) God’s Word and Spirit with others.
For more help see my articles on Centering Prayer and Breath Prayer.
Also, I tweet a centering “Breath Prayer” from the Psalms 1-2 times per day: http://twitter.com/billgaultiere.
Monday, January 11, 2010
God's Word to Me (and to You!)
Today I spent extended time alone with the Lord in prayer and meditation. Part of that time I meditated on Psalm 19 as I sat outside by a lake in the sunshine.
In Psalm 19 we are reminded that God is speaking to us in his creation and his law. If only we will be still… Open the eyes of our heart… Breathe in deep… Listen…
We see his beauty. We hear his wisdom. We know he is Love. We sense his heart reaching out to draw us close and embrace us in love. We trust his goodness transforming us into his own image. We share him with every person that we can.
O Beauty of beauties! O Wisdom of wisdom! O Word of life! O Jesus!
Let me prayer poem based on Psalm 19 help you to breathe in and out the name that is above all names…
God’s Word to Me
Jesus… You are God’s Son shining in the heavens
Jesus… I smile in your light
Jesus… You are my Bridegroom coming for me
Jesus… I hold you in my heart
Jesus… You are my Champion rejoicing to run your course
Jesus… I follow you
Jesus… You are God’s Law restoring souls
Jesus… I study and obey you
Jesus… You are more precious than gold
Jesus… I give up all for you
Jesus… You are sweeter than honey
Jesus… I delight in you
Jesus… You are God’s Word to me
Jesus… I love to speak your name
In Psalm 19 we are reminded that God is speaking to us in his creation and his law. If only we will be still… Open the eyes of our heart… Breathe in deep… Listen…
We see his beauty. We hear his wisdom. We know he is Love. We sense his heart reaching out to draw us close and embrace us in love. We trust his goodness transforming us into his own image. We share him with every person that we can.
O Beauty of beauties! O Wisdom of wisdom! O Word of life! O Jesus!
Let me prayer poem based on Psalm 19 help you to breathe in and out the name that is above all names…
God’s Word to Me
Jesus… You are God’s Son shining in the heavens
Jesus… I smile in your light
Jesus… You are my Bridegroom coming for me
Jesus… I hold you in my heart
Jesus… You are my Champion rejoicing to run your course
Jesus… I follow you
Jesus… You are God’s Law restoring souls
Jesus… I study and obey you
Jesus… You are more precious than gold
Jesus… I give up all for you
Jesus… You are sweeter than honey
Jesus… I delight in you
Jesus… You are God’s Word to me
Jesus… I love to speak your name
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