Unearthing the Heart
Simple Tools for Soul-Deep Prayers
by Katelyn J. Dixon, Grace Pouch
A free Renovaré Resource for renewal with two psalm writing exercises — one of thanksgiving, one of longing or lament — to mine the earth of our lives and enter deep prayer.
From the intro by Grace Pouch…
Mutual self-disclosure is essential for all deep relationships, including our relationship with God, but it can be hard to bare our souls to
the Lord. We need tools that help us to know our own hearts and
express ourselves.
“The Psalms are the best tools available,” according to Eugene Peterson. “They are God’s gift to train us in prayer that is comprehensive… and honest.”
The preeminent author of the Psalms is David — “the apple of God’s eye.” David’s bond with Yahweh grew through an exchange of thoughts and ideas at the deepest level, a true sharing of self and love, unearthed by the practice of crafting prayers in the form of poetry.
Can we follow in David’s footsteps and speak to God that way? Yes!
The exercises in this book draw on the biblical psalms as examples that we can imitate in our own words, to pray about our unique circumstances and feelings.
Psalms are poetry — but don’t let that intimidate you. Crafting psalms isn’t just for “writers” — the treasure we are after is honesty and soul-deep connection, not a fancy finished product. Peterson says that “poetry requires that we… dive beneath the surfaces of prose and pretense, straight into the depths.”2 The point of these exercises is to help you work with your words and discover what you didn’t even know you had to say, to move past surface‑y prayer and get real with God.
Whether you are brand-new to praying or well-seasoned in a conversational life with God, you can pick up these psalm-crafting tools to bring more of yourself into the light of God.
2025 Renovaré
About the Authors
Katelyn J. Dixon is a writer, speaker, and podcaster living in the Seattle area. She considers it a profound gift to partner with Renovaré as a Listening Group Coordinator, writing contributor, and workshop facilitator. Since earning her Master’s degree in Counseling in 2017, she has pursued vocational writing as ministry while leading workshops and retreats that help others find healing. Katelyn co-hosts The Still Christian Podcast, re-orienting those who’ve been wounded by the church towards newness and hope. Most of all, Katelyn enjoys discovering what it means to live as God’s beloved while exploring the enchanting PNW with her husband Drew. You can find her work at katelynjdixon.com and on Instagram @katelynjdixon.
Grace Pate Pouch is Content Manager for Renovaré where she curates and produces resources for spiritual renewal. She is the author of Savoring Childhood: Practical Wisdom for Slowing Down. She previously served as a seminary professor and Christian education specialist for elementary school children. Grace and her husband William live with their two children, Charlotte and Henry, in Greenville, SC.