Living the Word: Praying and Praising Anywhere, Anytime
Main Point
We need to keep praising God, praying at all times, and in every place—not just praying, but also singing hymns. The key is to know Scripture well, memorize it, and learn more hymns so that we can pray and praise anywhere, anytime.
Introduction
I still remember, back in school, every English test had an essay section. I wasn’t much of a reader, so when it came time to write, I often had no idea what to say. Even if I had a small idea, what I wrote came out plain and flat—no beauty, no spark. It reminds me of that moment when you really need something and realize you don’t have it.
The Main Thought
It’s not just true for schoolwork. Reading the Bible, praying, and singing hymns to praise God also take steady, ongoing practice.
Key Scriptures
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, (Acts 16:25, ESV)
Summary of the Scriptures
Only by continually praying and singing can we let God’s Word sink deep into our hearts. That way, when different situations come, we won’t be trapped by them—we’ll still have praise on our lips. Otherwise, it’s like that moment when you finally need something and realize you left it back home. And for us, it’s when it’s time to sing, and you suddenly discover your playlist is embarrassingly short.
A Personal Story
When we first moved to the meeting hall last year, there was one time I was tidying things up with Jeff. We left together and walked toward the subway. On the way, Jeff said, “Let’s sing a hymn.” I told him I didn’t remember the words. He said, “That’s okay—sing more and you’ll remember.”
He told me about a time when he and Luke were riding bikes together, singing hymns as they rode, and feeling full of joy. Then, without waiting, he just started singing quietly to himself. I don’t remember which hymn it was, but I could see how happy he was.
It’s been over a year since we moved to the hall. We’ve probably sung at least 50 different hymns by now. But honestly, I still can’t sing any of them without the hymn book. Some I can remember a few lines of. If I were go with Jeff again, I’d probably just be listening to him sing.
Now imagine—what if Paul and Silas were like me, unable to remember the hymns? After being beaten and thrown into prison, they want to sing praises to God. Paul asks, “Did you bring the hymn book?” Silas says, “No. Did you?” “No.” They look at each other, and not a single complete hymn comes to mind. That would be pretty awkward. Thankfully, that’s just a made-up scene. In reality, they prayed and sang continually. I believe that wasn’t only God’s work in them, but also the result of their daily practice.
An Experience in Prayer
One night before bed, I prayed, “Lord, please help me understand the Bible better and understand Your words more deeply.” At that moment, a thought came: “You also need to memorize them.” I believe that was the Lord speaking to me—not just to keep reading, but to memorize.
Now, when I read Acts 16, I realize it’s not only Scripture we need to memorize, but hymns too. But I didn’t really follow through. I haven’t memorized much Scripture, so my growth hasn’t been great. If one day I meet the Lord, I imagine He might ask, “How much of My word do you really know?” And I’d feel so ashamed. Just like back in school, staring at an essay prompt, thinking, “Why didn’t I read and memorize more?”
Closing Challenge
Now that we see this, let’s pray for the Lord’s strength and wisdom so that in daily life we can keep memorizing Scripture and hymns. I know it’s not easy. But if we want His Word to truly live in our hearts, we have no other way but to keep memorizing.
Maybe it’s just one verse a day, one hymn a month—but over time, the change will be great. Eventually, the Bible and hymns will become part of who we are. We’ll be like a living Bible, a living hymn book.
Author’s Note: This article was originally written by a human author. It may have been translated, refined, or grammar-checked with the assistance of ChatGPT.