First Fifteen

I hate to wait.  If I really want it, I want it right now.  God’s sense of timing sometimes frustrates me, which is why I have to learn to ask, trust and hope while I grow in my understanding of his will and his ways.  Psalm 130 gives me language in prayer to call on God, trust in him, hope and declare the certainty that he will put things right for me and for the world.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've prayed through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible within Book 5 (Psalms 107-150).  We continue through the Songs of Ascent, the collection of short pilgrim songs for those going up to the temple and we'll listen to Psalm 130.

The eight verses of Psalm 130 work progressively to take us from the dark pit of despair and sin to confident hope in God's deliverance.

Psalm 130 is one of the 7 penitential psalms used in the Christian Church during Lent, the 40 days of preparation before Easter.  The penitential psalms include Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143.  We've covered several of these on First Fifteen.

What truth do you need to repeat or demonstrate today? 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

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Where do we look for help?  In most situations, where do you turn for help?   Psalm 121 begins by asking where we look for help and then affirming our protection, our keeper and watcher is God alone.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've been praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible within Book 5 (Psalms 107-150).  Today we start the Songs of Ascent, the collection of short pilgrim songs for those going up to the temple and we'll listen to Psalm 121.

The word shamar  is repeated 6 times in these 8 verses, and it emphasizes the fact that God watches over us, keeps us and protects us. 

What truth do you need to repeat or demonstrate today? 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

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When you look back on a journey, it often gives you a very different perspective from the one you had during the trip.  That’s also what meditation is like: you get to reflect on what you experienced and engage with it on a deeper level.  Psalm 119 keeps paying rich rewards the more you reflect on it and give it your attention.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've prayed through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, which is an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We have listened to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and we have given attention to most of the stanzas.

In this episode we listen to the first and last verse of each stanza--44 verses in all--and give attention to all the themes featured throughout Psalm 119.  The first verse usually states the theme and the last verse recaps it in a heightened way and often transitions to the next thought. 

For application, write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 today, and you'll be able to see more connections and reflect better on what God is saying.  After you've written out a stanza, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.  We also have the original translation of these 44 verses we will share with you as well as a free booklet "77 Wonderful Insights from Psalm 119." 

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15 or like the Word of Prayer 15 page on Facebook. You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

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The last word usually leaves a lasting impression.  It seems part of our design as human beings:  we pay most attention to the first and the last thing more than the rest. We’ve come to the end of Psalm 119, and it’s time to hear the final word.  Psalm 119:169-176 (Taw) is the last word and it returns us to our dependence on God, praising him and many of the great themes we've seen in this great psalm.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We've been praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, which is an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We have listened to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the last (22nd) stanza -- taw.

The letter taw allows you to turn any verb into a wish if you put it on the front, so in six of the eight verses that's what happens.  This stanza also has several expressions of praise, which is similar to how the book of Psalms itself ends—with a note of praise.   I

This stanza also restates the themes we’ve been hearing throughout Psalm 119:  the poet is looking for understanding, for deliverance and for new life.  The emphasis is on how much we depend on God, for salvation, to teach us to praise, for life itself.  The last verse likens us to a lost sheep who needs to be sought out and returned to the right way, the way we have set our hearts on:  following God in all his words and teachings.   

Finish writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, and you'll be able to see more connections and reflect better on what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

What petition do you need to make of God?  Give me understanding, deliver me, or teach me to praise you?  Make that your application today.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

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To bring something back to life is a big deal.  When we pray for revival, it’s because we have acknowledged death and the need for God’s spirit to bring life again. The cry “Revive me!” is a prayer that arises in desperation.  Psalm 119:153-168 (Resh-Shin) focus on the God who sees us, revives us, and our response of rejoicing, praise and love to him.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, and as an acrostic poem it is structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 20-21st stanzas (resh-shin).

We focus on two themes in these sections: God sees and revives us, and rejoicing, praising and loving him as our response.   

There is an allusion back to Genesis 16:13 where Hagar calls on God as "El Roi" - the God who sees me.  That same idea is repeated here twice in vv. 153 and 159.

By slowing down and reflecting on God's teaching as we write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, we are able to see more connections and listen better to what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

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How do we take ancient words from another language and culture and use them to pray today?  That’s the challenge of praying the Psalms and especially Psalm 119.  Psalm 119:121-136 (Ayin-Pe) focus on God's word as a "done deal" and the wondrous effect his word has on us.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible, and as an acrostic poem it is structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 16-17th stanzas (ayin-pe). 

We explore several themes in these two sections: being a doer of God's Word, relying on God's covenant as a "done deal", taking on the role of God's servant, and exploring the very personal effects that God's Word has on our lives.     

There are numerous allusions in these verses to other parts of Scripture, both in the Psalms and elsewhere, but especially in the Law (Genesis-Exodus and the folllowing).    We should not just read or study the Bible alone, but we should use the Bible as God’s Word to let God himself teach us and help us apply it to our lives.

By slowing down and reflecting on God's teaching as we write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day, we are able to see more connections and listen better to what God is saying.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, use one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day. 

We can't exhaust the riches that are in these verses, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

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Everyone wants to do the smart thing, to show some wisdom (and not act stupid).  Every day we see marketing trying to tell us what the smart thing is.  Psalm 119:97-112 (Mem-Nun) teaches us to embrace and love God's word and to walk daily in his ways.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  As an acrostic poem structured after the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, it explores God's word from A to Z.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the 13-14th stanzas (mem-nun), the "m" and "n" words.

The main theme in this section is the plea for God to teach me. The first stanza (vv. 97-104) doesn't have any petitions or pleas in it, just expressions of blessing that come following  God's word.  To love God’s Word is our goal.  To make it our day-long meditation, what we think about and keep returning to over and over, is our prayer (v. 97).   

There is also an emphasis on applying God's Word to our lives so that it affects our daily decisions and the path we walk (vv. 101, 105).  This takes us back to the language of Psalm 119:1 and even back to Psalm 1 itself.  We should not just read or study the Bible only, but use the Bible as God’s Word to let God himself teach us and help us apply it to our lives.

Continue slowing down and remembering God's teaching by writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose a verse which expresses your own experience with God.  Try vv. 97, 99, 101 or 105 from these two sections.

We don't spend much time on the last seven verses in the nun stanza (vv. 105-112) in this episode, but you can go deeper into them on your own using our four step process.  You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

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Forever is a long time.  Never is also a long time.  God’s Word never fails. Never.  Psalm 119:89-96 (Lamedh) expresses a great faith in God, that he will remain faithful and his word will come through just as it always has, even in the midst of trials.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We're praying through Psalm 119, the longest psalm of the Bible.  As an acrostic poem made up of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, it explores God's word from A to Z.   We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the twelfth stanza (lamedh) in which all the lines begin with the L sound.  

The main feature of this stanza is the long view.  God's word has been at work a long time, and God's faithfulness is famous. The confidence and faith expressed in this stanza are especially notable.  There is also mention of affliction (v. 92) and threats (v. 95), but the tone throughout is God's faithfulness which encourages faith from us.    

Try slowing down and remembering God's teaching by writing out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose whichever verse expresses your own experience with God.  There are many to choose from today: vv. 89, 90, 92, 93, 94 and 96.

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

What do we do when we have faith in God and confidence he will come through for us, but we have to wait?  What if we fail or our life runs out before then?  That’s the question  posed by our section today.  Psalm 119:81-88 (Kaph) is like a lament that keeps asking heart-wrenching questions while running to God in faith, not rebelling against him.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm of the Bible and it's like a complete class in listening to God's word and growing closer in our faith and devotion to him.  We are listening to one or two stanzas at a time (8 verses each), and today we focus on the eleventh stanza (kaph) in which all the lines begin with the K sound. 

The main feature of this stanza is the difficulties, suffering and vulnerability of the poet and  questioning God. In the first seven of the verses (vv. 81-87) there is some mention of affliction, trial or challenge, and in many of those a question is raised to God.  These verses sound a lot like the laments that feature prominently in the first half of the book of Psalms. The last verse (v. 88) expresses trust in God, and this is the midpoint of the entire psalm.  

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  Choose whichever verse expresses your own experience with God.  For today's reading, I recommend v. 88.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show

“Let it Be.”  If you hear that phrase, as most of us do, meaning “Don’t rock the boat; let things rest as they are,” then I think we owe it to the Beatles for their 1970 song and one of their last hits. Psalm 119 teaches us a completely different way to think about and say “Let it Be” that will challenge and build your faith.  Psalm 119:73-80 retraces the drama of faith centered in God's name and helps us declare, "Let it be as you have spoken." 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

We are listening to the longest psalm of the Bible: Psalm 119.  As we listen to one or two stanzas at a time, we develop more attraction and affection for God's word.  Today's episode features the tenth stanza (yodh) in which all the lines begin with the Y sound. 

The big idea that features in this stanza is that God is at the center: as Creator (v. 73), as the One to be feared (v. 74), as Yahweh whom I know (v. 75), everything begins with God.  His name means "I will be who I will be", and he speaks things into being, saying "Let it be." The last five verses similarly use a form of the Hebrew verb that starts with yodh and means "Let it be..."    

One way to slow down and remember God's teaching is to write out one stanza (8 verses) of Psalm 119 each day until you finish it.  After you've written out the stanza for the day, pick one verse from that section to meditate on throughout the day.  There are many good ones to choose from today; pick one that speaks to you.   

If you want to get more daily encouragement you can follow me on Twitter @WordofPrayer15.  Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.   You can also find us on Facebook at Word of Prayer 15.

You can get a copy of the book God Help Me Grow: Learning to Pray through the Psalms on Amazon (or the ebook) so you can pray all of the first 30 psalms in the book of Psalms.

You can download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen using Psalm 1.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com  

Support the show