Writing Prayers

[dvalliere]

Since I know many on here have mentioned the practice of copying portions of the Bible, I thought others might appreciate this suggestion: write out your prayers.

 

I've taken to doing so somewhat frequently and found the following benefits (beyond getting to use my fountain pens):

 

• Because I can think and speak far more quickly than I can write, writing out my prayers forces me to slow down and think more intentionally about what I'm saying, asking, etc.
• Because I write slower than I think or speak, I'm not likely to say/pray nearly as much in written form as I might in spoken or silent forms, I'm forced to be more intentional about what I really want to say.
• The slower pace helps to settle and focus my mind.
• If saved (e.g. in a prayer journal), it can be a helpful trip back to see how God has answered your prayers.
• Copying out existing prayers (e.g. from Valley of Vision), one has the chance to appreciate and broaden one's scope in prayer.

Is anyone else doing this already? Other perceived benefits?

[Horseknitter]

Yes, I do this but with a bit of a twist.

 

I began journaling with a desire to work through my emotional and/or relational struggles on paper for me. I began writing about what is on my mind, or what is troubling me, fear, an unusually impactful dream, desires unmet, ad infinitum. What happened is that as I wrote and thought each journal entry evolved into prayer regarding a confession often and realization of how God had already spoken to my topic du jour in His written Word. Almost always I get to the end of my entry with resolution and gratitude. It continues as a format that serves me well.

 

After doing this for an extended period I realized that what I am doing is really the same format used in many (most?) of the Psalms.

[jmccarty3]

 

After doing this for an extended period I realized that what I am doing is really the same format used in many (most?) of the Psalms.

 

 

I enjoy copying the Psalms, especially in the Coverdale translation as found in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. I relate closely to many of them.

[DrDebG]

Yes, I do this also. Perhaps it is the intentionality that you mention that is so rewarding for me.

 

My most precious time of the day is my "quiet time". This is a time when I turn everything off, and go to God's word. I might start with a a Psalm, then a Proverb, but then I usually "work" through a book of the Bible over a monthly period. I will read a passage, then write out in my journal "what it says". Then, I will write out "what it means" through asking questions back to the text that I read (who, what, when, where, how and why). Finally, I will write out "how it applies" to me. In this "phase" I will write out my thoughts as though in prayer, or conversation with my Lord Jesus Christ. I usually end with writing out specific prayers that I have for others, and that includes praises for His answers as well. While I may vary this format, what doesn't vary is this special time of the day with the Lord, and my written prayers to Him.

[The Write Pen]

Beautiful.

 

Blessings,

 

danny

[RMN]

Hi. While suggesting a sermon for calligraphy practice is not religion, reactions might soon turn into a religious discussion or display.

 

So may I remind the members that those are forbidden under the FPN rules?

 

I would not like to remove posts or even a whole topic.

 

 

 

D.ick

Moderator.

[etaylor33]

I started to copy the Book of Revelation. I was always intrigued by this book and have attempted to read it through several times without understanding most of it. I figured this way, I might understand it better and remember parts of it so that eventually I will have read it through without feeling lost when I'm done. I also remember hearing from somewhere, that you get a special blessing for reading it, I feel the special blessing is the feeling of having accomplished something very difficult to read all the way through. Still working on the writing.

[Cryptos]

EoC is given at times to writing out various sutras - mainly the shorter ones like the Heart Sutra. Some of the longer ones go on a bit and would take far more than a single sitting to accomplish, though there is merit in that too.

[haruka337]

Oh, what a wonderful idea!

 

I typically use song verses or a short passage in a book to practice writing, but it has never occurred to me to use bible verses and prayers as well! What a wonderful way to practice my hand and to stay mindful of what I, at times, overlook.

[Judybug]

Just noticed this thread. Very interesting. Yes, I have occasionally hand written prayers and as horseknitter mentioned above - had them turn out to be very much like the Psalms. I do think handwriting thoughts can help to refine them - sort of boil thoughts down to what's really important.

 

Judybug