The Guardrails
If you are learning to bowl, it is easy for the ball to slip into the gutter of distraction or “vain repetitions.” Scripted prayers—specifically the Bible—act as guardrails. They keep your heart moving in the right direction toward God’s will when you feel too tired or overwhelmed to find your own words.
Why Pray the Scriptures?
- Confidence: When you pray God’s Word back to Him, you know you are praying according to His will.
- Instruction: The Bible teaches us how to pray. The disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray,” and He gave them a “script”—The Lord’s Prayer.
- Spiritual Sustenance: It moves us away from only praying about our “shopping list” of needs and toward praying about God’s character and Kingdom.
Practical “Scripts” for the Evangelical
- The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13): Use this not just as a recitation, but as an outline. (e.g., “Our Father…” -> Spend a moment thanking Him for being your Father.)
- The Psalms: The Psalms are the Bible’s “prayer book.” If you are sad, use a Psalm of Lament. If you are happy, use a Psalm of Praise.
- The ACTS Model: A simple script to keep your prayer balanced:
- Adoration: Praising God for who He is.
- Confession: Agreeing with God about our sin and receiving His forgiveness.
- Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for what He has done.
- Supplication: Asking for His help for ourselves and others.
Your Practice: Praying a Psalm
- Open to Psalm 23 or Psalm 100.
- Read one line at a time.
- Turn that line into a personal prayer. (e.g., “The Lord is my shepherd” -> “Lord, thank You for leading me and taking care of me like a shepherd.”)
- Notice how using God’s words helps you say things you might never have thought of on your own.