Praying Psalm 1

Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

(from Psalm 1)

As I was reading Psalm 1 again as if for the first time, I rediscovered by the obvious message that humans always have moral choices.

Additionally, all our moral choices, even the smallest of decisions, construct a life path for us.

We are not born good or bad, we are made one or the other through moral training and choices.

So, the ancient wisdom of choosing God, such as Deuteronomy11:26-28 or Joshua 24:15, "Choose this day whom you will serve..." promises new life to those stuck on bad roads.

It seems to me that praying Psalm 1 will help strengthen my moral choices.

To pray Psalm 1:

First: Begin by reading slowly, several times, the meaning of each verse as it applies to your life.

Second: Personalize your prayer by lifting to God your needs and wants.

Third: Focus on the central themes of the psalm: Delighting in God’s law, grace to meditate, walking in righteous living, and blessing your efforts.

Fourth: Pray with faith knowing God hears and answers prayer in Gods time and in God’s way.

Fifth: Pray Psalm 1 often letting it shape your moral choices while God guides you increasing your moral wisdom.

For example, "Lord, as I write this post, I pray for discernment to recognize the path of the righteous and to avoid the way of the wicked. Guide my steps and strengthen me to walk in your ways"