TOPIC: Psalms
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 3:1-8
I have trusted in your faithful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. – Psalm 13:5 (CEB)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 11th February 2023 MESSAGE
Often I do not know how to pray. Usually my prayers are check-the-box requests delivered in a steady, professional manner. The psalms show a different way of praying that is eloquent, raw, and emotional. They pull us in deeply to what the writer was thinking or feeling. In many of the psalms the author shares feelings — good and bad, uplifting and disturbing, but always honest.
Though about one third of the psalms are laments, almost every one ends on a positive note. This encourages me always to try to end my prayers on a positive note. But if I cannot, if I am feeling too broken, confused, or crushed, then it is okay to end where I am. I am confident that God would rather hear an honest prayer that does not end on a high note than one that is falsely hopeful.
The psalms teach us how to talk to God — to give God not only our requests but also our emotions. Prayers do not have to be as eloquent as the psalms. They just have to be honest and heartfelt.
TODAY’S PRAYER
O God, we offer our whole hearts to you. Thank you for loving us just as we are. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will pour out my heart to God.
PRAYER FOCUS
To be more honest with God
The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
