7 Prayers That Work

  Psalm 66 tells us 8 things God wants us to know when life is hard. When my world is melting, sliding out of my control, sometimes I wonder what he's doing. So I usually go to Psalms. God always reminds me that he is busy, and he is triumphant already.  So stop panicking. Here's my paraphrase and prayer of  Psalm 66 , bullet-pointed for clarity: 1. Praise God first, regardless of what's happening Shout for joy, everyone! Give  God credit for his miraculous works! 2. God is in control because he is the Creator Oh, Lord, You fill me with awe. Your enemies cringe at your name. They rebel and slander and revolt, yet the earth itself follows your commands and bows itself in reverent obedience. The orbits rotate, the earth shakes and spews, the animal kingdom continues its circle of life, the wind and waves take their predictable paths. 3. God directs and uses the world for his glory You can alter the world's state at any moment. You can send fire, part waters, stop upr...

A Paraphrase of Psalm 66 Almighty God, The whole world will shout with joy to You and testify of You, telling everyone about the amazing things You've done for mankind. We worship You! How awesome are Your dealings with us! Your enemies cower under Your majesty. They cannot hide from Your power. Everyone, Take notice of God's care: He miraculously interferes in the natural causes of the earth and rescues us, miraculously. He controls and oversees mankind, even while evil men rule the earth. They will not win over Him. Everyone, praise the Lord! Tell others of His powerful deeds! He keeps us from demolishing our own lives, if we let Him. He challenges our faith by leading us through difficult circumstances. He allows us to be tested, persecuted, and oppressed. Yet He endures affliction with us and brings us out into a sunny place. Then we worship Him, because we see Him for who He is: great, powerful, loving, and just, a God who can be trusted. Ever...