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The Bible contains prayers and canticles (songs) that give us words to pray
and praise. Many, such as the Lord's Prayer, the Magnificat, and the
Canticle of Simeon, have become part of the common prayer of the church
liturgy. Yet any of these may also give voice to our own joys, yearnings
and struggles. We truly pray the Lord's Prayer when we take each phrase and
make it our own, finding its truth reflected in our beliefs, needs, fears
and aspirations.
Mary's Magnificat can become our own song of exultation,
hope and trust. There are times when we recognize with her that "the Mighty
One has done great things for me" (Luke 1:49). We may know from experience
what it means to be lifted up from lowliness, or we may see the emptiness
of those who seem powerful and self-satisfied. Thus, we know that the
truths spoken in Mary's words are universal because they are so personal.
Sometimes we can personalize a passage of scripture by placing our own name
in it. Some passages from the books of the Prophets lend themselves to
becoming personal prayers as we make ourselves the recipients of God's
Word.
Ready to try it?
NEXT STEP... Choose A Verse »
From "Praying the Scriptures" by Marjorie Thompson. In The Spiritual Formation
Bible, pp. xvii-xviii © Zondervan Corporation, 1999. © 2007 The Upper Room. Used by permission.
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