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How to Pray the Psalms: A Reformed Approach to Devotional Prayer

How to Pray the Psalms: A Reformed Approach to Devotional Prayer

Posted on May 17, 2025 | By Shecaniah_Grace

Open Bible and notebook on wooden desk with overlay text: How to Pray the Psalms – A Reformed Devotional Guide

The Psalms are more than poetic songs; they are inspired prayers from God to His people. In the Reformed tradition, we treasure the Psalms not only for their theology but also for their guidance in prayer. As John Calvin once said, the Psalms are “an anatomy of all parts of the soul.”

1. Why Pray the Psalms?

The Psalms give us words when we have none. They teach us to bring our joy, sorrow, repentance, and praise before God. They reflect the full range of human emotion under divine inspiration—pointing us always back to God’s character and covenant promises.

2. Understand the Christ-Centered Nature of the Psalms

Luke 24:44 teaches that the Psalms ultimately point to Christ. As you pray, ask how the Psalm reveals the glory of Jesus—His suffering, kingship, obedience, or reign. This keeps your prayer gospel-centered and not merely emotional expression.

3. Read Slowly and Reflectively

Don’t rush. Read a Psalm slowly. Pause at each verse or phrase. Let the words sink in. Ask: “What does this teach me about God, myself, and the gospel?” Allow the Spirit to guide your response.

4. Personalize the Language

As you read, speak the Psalm back to God in your own words. For example, when Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd,” respond with “Lord, shepherd me today in my confusion. Lead me beside still waters.”

5. Use the Psalms to Confess, Lament, Rejoice, and Trust

Some Psalms help us confess sin (Psalm 51), others help us lament (Psalm 13), rejoice (Psalm 100), or trust (Psalm 46). Let your prayer follow the Psalm’s tone. Don’t force joy when you need to lament. Don’t suppress praise when your heart is glad.

6. Pray with the Church in Mind

Reformed believers understand that we pray not only as individuals, but as part of the covenant community. When the Psalm says “we,” let it include your church, your family, the global body of Christ.

Conclusion

Praying the Psalms is a rich practice that draws your heart into deeper communion with God. It grounds your prayer life in Scripture, saturates it with truth, and points you continually to Jesus. Make it a regular part of your devotions, and let your soul be formed by the very words of God.

"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." – Psalm 141:2

Tags: Psalms, Reformed Theology, Prayer Life, Devotional, Biblical Meditation, Christ-Centered Living, Spiritual Growth

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