Psalm 119:25-40: Seeking God
PRAYER AND MEDITATION are not easy disciplines. Many of us have used prayer as a magical device for controlling God or for acquiring God's favor. Similarly, many use meditation as a magical tool for control. But there is nothing magical about the spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation. Both are ways to focus our attention on God. We can talk (pray) openly, honestly, vulnerably to God, and we can listen (meditate) with humility. It is this dynamic of speaking/listening, prayer/meditation that makes it possible for us to increase our contact with God. We can experience loving and being loved by our Creator.
Warming Up to God
- What difficulties do you experience with prayer and meditation?
Read Psalm 119:25-40. »
Discovering the Word
- Restate in your own words the requests the psalmist makes of God.
- What major needs and desires is the psalmist expressing in these requests?
- How do these needs/desires compare with your own at this time?
- How does the psalmist describe what he has done and what he desires to do in his pursuit of God?
- What benefits does the psalmist suggest might come from prayer and meditation (vv. 32-40)?
Applying the Word
- The psalmist describes himself as "laid low in the dust" and as "weary with sorrow." Describe a time when you experienced these feelings.
- In your experience, how can prayer and meditation improve our contact with God?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to help you practice the disciplines of prayer and meditation.
For Further Study
Prayer by John White