The Psalms are excellent teachers and trainers for prayer. When we pray the Psalms (something more than just a simple reading of the text), we learn how to shape our own extemporaneous prayer (prayer using our own words in the moment). Take a moment to pray Psalm 86.1-13 today several times. Take care to make these words your words. If you can, find a place to pray Psalm 86.1-13 in your own voice out loud.

“Hear me, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.
Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.”

About the Author
Isaac Gaff is the Managing Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Calvary UMC