Category: Faith

Praying Scripture

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

Lately, I’ve been hunting for those bits of scripture that translate directly into prayers.

Because sometimes I can’t find the right words.

For me. For others.

And there’s something really powerful about kneeling down and making God’s Word the cry of our hearts.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
~Psalm 51:10

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
~Psalm 139:23-24

May he grant your hearts desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.
~Psalm 20:4-5

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
~Psalm 25:4-5

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
~Numbers 6:24-26 (I love praying this one over my readers)

As you can see, I’m a fan of praying the psalms.

Let’s Talk: Please share scripture that you love to pray! I’d love to add them to my journal for future use. 

Bible Study Plan

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

Is it just me, or is something wrong with this picture?

Yet how often am I guilty of turning God’s Word into another item on my to-do list?

Read two chapters in Samuel.

Check.

Next task please.

I might underline a verse. I might even think on a passage for a bit. But so much goes unprocessed.

Which is why I love SPEAK.

Maybe it’s the teacher in me, but a good acronym makes me smile and I have to say, this one’s my fave.

SPEAK is a way to take Bible reading off the to-do list and turn it into something so much more meaningful.

Here’s how it works.

S stands for Sin to Confess 

As you read, did you come across a sin you could confess? Perhaps a struggle or a choice or an attitude you’ve been pushing under the rug?

P stands for Promise to Keep

As you read, did you come across one of God’s promises? Something you can hold grab onto and keep close throughout the day?

E stands for Example to Follow

Or sometimes, example NOT to follow. I run across a lot of these in the old testament! For example, never cut your hair when it’s the source of your strength. Samson wasn’t the brightest crayon in the box, if ya know what I’m sayin’.

A stands for Action to Take

Is there something you feel like God’s asking you to do as you read this particular passage? Perhaps it’s offering forgiveness or asking for forgiveness or serving the poor or loving on your neighbor or (insert any number of things here).

K stands for Knowledge to Gain

Did you learn something new about the character of God? The condition of humanity? Angels or spiritual warfare or the way Jesus interacted with the lost? 

I might not find everyone of these items in the passage I’m reading, but you can bet I’ll at least find one. 

It’s funny.

Whenever I get back into the habit of doing SPEAK, I realize once again just how living and active and applicable God’s Word is in my life.

Let’s Talk: What kinds of things do you do to make sure your Bible reading doesn’t turn into a checklist item?

Our Good

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good. -Deuteronomy 10:13

Not because God is a wet blanket and wants to steal our fun.

But because He’s God and He knows what leads to freedom and joy.

Let’s Talk: Can you talk about a time when obedience led to freedom in your life?

Mrs. Mommy Booknerd interviewed me on her blog today! She asks me a bunch of fun questions and she’s giving away 2 copies of my debut novel. So if you’d like a FREE book (either for yourself or to give as a gift), hop on over and enter. Contest ends in a week.