Writing a Psalm

Another way to praise God is through psalm-writing.   

While this may seem intimidating to the non-poetical, it is actually very easy. 

Psalms are poems, but they are a particular kind of poem.  

It does not have to rhyme or have meter, but is uses a rhyme of thoughts.

Psalms are built on  parallels—the psalmist gives one line, and there is an answer, which either explains, restates or elaborates on the first line.  for example.

“I will praise the Lord at all times---His praise will be continually in my mouth

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good—His mercy endures forever

“The earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof—The world and all it contains.

“The Lord is my shepherd—I shall not want. 

Each line adds to the meaning of the first.

Many people have found psalm writing in the ancient way to be a helpful way of praising God themselves.  All you have to do is to write one line about God.  For example

Lord, you are beautiful. . . 

Then a second line adds or elaborates on the first.

. . . You are more beautiful than your creation

Jesus, you are all I need. . . 

. . . And all I can ever want.

Ans do on.

On the left are some opening lines,  write an ending to each opening line that explains, rephrases, or expounds upon the meaning of the other. When you are done, pray it as a prayer to God.

Opening Line	Response
Good, you are good to Your people. . .	You give us all good things
You, O Lord, are the mighty King. . .	You reign forever and ever
You forgave my sins, O Lord. . .	Through the power of Jesus' Blood
Jesus, you are my Savior. . .	You redeemed me from all my sins
You are coming for Your people, O Lord. . .	You will take us to you in glory
You are the King of Glory. . .	We bow down in love and praise
From Everlasting to everlasting, You are God. . .	For all eternity I will serve you
My life is in your hands O God. . .	My hands are there to serve you
Jesus You are my rock and my shield. . .	You are my resting place when times get hard.
God you are always with me . . .	You never leave me or forsake me
You are glorious, above all nations. . .	You are greater than all the people of th earth
You created the World and everything in it. . .	You made the sun, moon, and stars

This week we have explored many different ways to praise God.  the method we use is not important, but doing it is.  Praise is the doorway to a deeper relationship with him.  "Enter into His gates with praise"  The you spend time praising Him, the more meaningful your time with Him will become.

O God, give me the heart, tongue, mind, and imagination to praise You more.  Grant me the heart, mind, skill, and imagination to appreciate your attributes every day.
“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”  Ps 45:1

Help me to speak, write, and sing your praise every day.  In Jesus, Name,
Amen