Make it Personal

Have you ever personalized scripture? It’s not a new concept, by any means, but this week the Lord laid a twist on a favorite Bible chapter on me. 

I have personalized 1^st Corinthians 13: 4-8 often by replacing the word “love” with my own name—causing profound conviction.  I’ve also seen it used by people examining questionable acquaintances.
 

Isaiah 53:4-6 personalized is extremely humbling.

Many people pray Psalm 91 usually inserting a loved one’s name. 

So, as I listened to my best friend “complain” about her husband working too hard… about how he won’t listen to her encouragement to slow down, do less, cut back… I suddenly suggested that she pray Psalm 139 for him. As the words flowed to through the phone receiver, I heard God speaking to me regarding some of my concerns for loved ones.

Psalm 139 is already a very personal chapter. It is God’s assurance of His intimate knowledge of my life. It’s His assurance of His presence. It’s a “between-you-and-Me” message from the Creator of the Universe…and how special His love is on me.

After my friend and I said good-bye, I reached for my Bible and began my own personalized prayer for several of my family members.

“Lord, you have examined (insert name)
    and know all about him/her.
² You know when (insert name) sits down and when he/she gets up.
    You know his/her thoughts before (insert name) thinks them.
³ You know where (insert name) goes and where he/she lies down.
    You know everything (insert name) does.
⁴ Lord, even before (insert name) says a word,
    you already know it.
⁵ You are all around (insert name)—in front and in back—
    and have put your hand on him/her.
⁶ Your knowledge is amazing to (insert name);
    it is more than he/she can understand…” (New Century Version)

Obviously there are limitless scripture passages one can personalize. Do you have a favorite?