I have a notepad app on my phone where I keep lots of…notes, obviously. Mainly, I use it for a grocery list (I love to cook and experiment with recipes), but I also use it to keep track of ideas, usernames for websites I visit once every two years, teaching resources, etc. However, I also have a compilation of prayers. Prayers I have gotten from the Bible, prayers from friends, prayers I have prayed for myself continuously, the Lord’s prayer in Latin (yes, I’m that guy), etc. I love compiling prayers because I feel like they are modern day Psalms. They are filled with memories of hope, sorrow, joy, and lament. They help me to remember the journey I have been on God for all of these years. They are a testament and reminder of His goodness, faithfulness, and more than anything – His mercy.

Psalm 101 sounds a lot like some of the prayers I have written in my app. Prayers detailing the things I will and will not do. Almost like a poetic instruction manual. My favorite line is: “I will be careful to live a blameless life – when will you come help me?” It rings so clear and relatable to me. I cry out to God telling Him I will “be good” and in the next breath beg Him for help through His spirit. I am all too aware of how powerless I am, in my flesh, to resist sin. Yet, it is through His spirit I find the strength to choose the right decision, to forgive, to be patient, to prioritize others over myself.

As we make our way through the Psalms, I encourage you to compile your own prayers. Whether on your phone or a notepad, I believe it will be fruitful to be able to look back on the times you were crying out for help and see how God brought you through those times. You can never reflect on and praise His faithfulness enough. His love endures forever. Amen!