The combination of scripture and prayer are what God uses to guide us in His grace as we live in this world and wait to be with Jesus. When I stop engaging in them, I can find myself straying into areas that take me away from my hope in Him. I love these prayer points that keep me centred.

You created me, and you keep me safe;
    give me understanding, so that I may learn your laws. – Psalm 119:73 GNT

Let your constant love comfort me,
    as you have promised me, your servant. – Psalm 119:76 GNT

May the proud be ashamed for falsely accusing me;

    as for me, I will meditate on your instructions.

May those who honor you come to me—

    all those who know your commands.

May I perfectly obey your commandments

    and be spared the shame of defeat. – Psalm 119:78-80 GNT

Your commandments are all trustworthy;
    people persecute me with lies—help me! – Psalm 119:86 GNT

The wicked are waiting to kill me,
    but I will meditate on your laws. – Psalm 119:95 GNT

The scripture opens a way to my recovery to the image of who God is and the capacity of what He wants to do in my life and the favour He wants to give me. That is where my prayer is centred – give me understanding that I might learn to do His will. It is where my prayer springs from a humble desire of being enabled.

Even when I might be found deficient in my health, I want to ask God for His merciful kindness to comfort me. That faith, patience and prayer will be the way for the Holy Spirit to do His work in my life.

Above all, I pray for a sound heart in the things that matter to God.

“At first sight it seems strange for Paul to pray that Christ may dwell in the hearts of believers. Did he not already live within them? In answer, it is noted that the focus of this request is not on the initial indwelling of Christ but on his continual presence . . . to establish believers on a firm foundation of love” – Lloyd-Jones