In my previous post, I used a simple method to pray Romans 15:13. Today, I used another simple method of adding my own commentary to each line of a biblical prayer.

I encourage you to take some time today and try this method of praying Scripture!

Secure in Christ: Psalm 16:8-11

I have set the Lord always before me;

Lord, You know that I cannot pray this prayer truthfully. I have not always set You before me. Often, my own flesh stands in the way to block me from seeing You. But I want You to be before me at all times. Give me strength to have You at the front of my mind.

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Lord, I turn my attention now to my right hand, where You graciously reside. You are there to sustain me and to keep me from harm. I will not be moved by my circumstances, my feelings, or those around me who seek to hinder my relationship with You. You are my Rock, and upon You I can dwell safely.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

Because You hold me so firmly, I praise Your holy name! I rejoice in who You are! My inner being delights to know You and to love You.

my flesh also dwells secure.

I will not fear what will happen to my frail body in the future. I know that it is secure until the Last Day. If I die before You come again, as one of the dead in Christ I will be raised to be with You forever.

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

Praise Jesus, who has a made a way of salvation! I will not fear condemnation, for Christ was condemned in my place. I will not be left alone to fight for myself in the afterlife, as Christ has already won the war. You will never leave me nor forsake me!

or let your holy one see corruption.

After death, I will immediately enter Your presence. My spirit will not see corruption. But I also recognize the truth about Jesus my Lord. You did not let His body erode in the grave, but raised Him from the dead. I now have hope that death will not be the end of me.

You make known to me the path of life;

You alone, O Lord, know the true path of life. The world is constantly trying to tell me what real life is supposed to be like. Forgive me when I exchange Your truth for the world’s lies. Reveal to me the path of life as I seek to follow Christ.

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

Joy can come from nowhere else but You. I renounce all of my sin as it keeps me from experiencing the fullness of joy that comes from knowing You. I seek to rest in Your presence and receive Your joy. As Christ prayed for me centuries ago, may my joy be full.

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

As I acknowledge that You dwell at my right hand, Your right hand is much greater than mine. In You there are pleasures that this world could never offer me. In You there are precious promises that bring my soul rest and complete fulfillment. You alone can satisfy my heart’s desires. Be my portion and meet all of my needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.