Nephi's psalm follows the following format:
Testimony of Scripture
Shame
Affirmation of faith
Recital of blessings
Affirmation of personal effort
Recital of blessings
Sorrow for vaguely specific sins (in the form of questioning why would I do that)
Injunction to self to cease sinning
Request that the Lord bless anew
Testimony
How would mine go, following the same format?
The stories of the prophets have always spoken to me; I read about their experiences and feel inspired and motivated, particularly the prophet Elijah. His trials as a man alone, deprived of human companionship, and more particularly not having others of his nature and familiarity with the scriptures, the spirit, and God make me sad for him.
He had the kind of faith that it must take a lifetime to attain; he called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice in the midst of his enemies. When he was alone on the mountain, he remained faithful.
Why do I find that my moments of greatest weakness come when I am alone? When I do not have others around me to help me make the right choice, I am weak. I act like I am strong but I fail and sin, knowing full well that it is so.
And yet I know that God loves me. I feel his love, and have felt his love throughout my life. He has guided my choices, he has given me both spiritual light and worldly success. I have been spared from suffering and pain and have been greatly blessed, both materially and spiritually. Even in times when I feel like a failure I have felt the presence of his spirit and its overpowering affirmation that my life is following a course that God approves of.
I have found joy in my family, and have felt the wonder of creation through the miracle of my children's births. I have seen the power of God in their eyes and in their souls. I have been guided in the choices I have made and have often acted without knowing the blessing until after. I have felt the spirit so powerfully that I can stand and say I KNOW that God loves me. I know he blesses me. I know that his love extends to all who serve him, and also to those who fail.
And why do I fall? Why am I the one who knows by personal experience that God loves even the fallen? Why do I neglect the many blessings that God has given me to seek other paths? Why am I unable to live up to the standards that my family deserves? Why do I feel anger at my family? Why do I lack patience? Why does my focus leave the circle of my home for personal interests that have no place therein? How do I forget the feelings of joy the spirit brings?
Find strength, oh my soul! Remember the spirit is more powerful than the flesh! Tame thy body to do the will of the Lord. I will no longer droop in sin. I will exercise the self discipline to love and serve my family and the Lord with full purpose of heart. Keep bright in memory the feelings of the spirit and strive to experience new spiritual events regularly. Love my wife with my whole soul, and leave no room for anger, frustration, or impatience. Love my children and exercise restraint in discipline and release the bowels of my love toward them. Repent of my sins and seek the Lord early. I will arise from my bed in the dark hours of morning to seek his face in his holy temple. Oh my soul, find strength! Find courage!
O Lord, wilt thou forgive me of my failings? Wilt thou instill in me an unfailing desire to tread in thy ways? Wilt thou rebuke the devourer for my sake and for thy name's sake? Bless my soul with the strength of Elijah that in my solitude I may seek thy face and in public I may exhibit courage undeniable. Wilt thou empower my soul with courage and strength, discipline and control that I may overcome the failings of my flesh and the weaknesses which beset me? O Lord, I thank thee for thy loving guidance and kindness and everlasating mercy and patience and the powerful influence of thy spirit which has overshadowed my life and blessed my actions, often unbeknownst to me. Thy hand hath guided my life and my course hath followed thy path. I have seen the power of thy love and desire to always dwell in thy holy house. Make of my home a haven on earth wherein my children may dwell in love and learning and the power and glory of the Lord. Bless my children with strenght and power. Bless the with a sure knowledge of thy love and thy long-suffering towards them, and towards me, worthless creature that I am. Give them confidence toward thee, that their self worth be not defined by the vagaries of unfaithful friends whose standards are not thine. Give them friends who will uplift and encourage them in the paths of righteousness and make of them such friends for others. Bless their eyes and their hearts to see the good and to avoid the evil. Bless me that I will be an example to them.
For I know indeed that thou sentest them to me and that my life is thine to do with as thou wilt. I know that the blessings in my life are thine as well, and I render to thee the sacrifice of my soul. I ask thee to distil thy spirit upon my soul and to give me strength to overcome the flesh. The sacrifice of thy son makes possible this prayer unto thee and I thank thee for evermore for the atoning blood of thy son, whose love and compassion and mercy make possible my repentance and through whose sacrifice I am able to feel the spirit and rejoice despite my sins. Bless me, o Lord; I will praise thy name forever, Amen.
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