Praying the Word
Merriam/Webster defines the word prayer as “an address or petition to God in word or thought; a set order of words used in praying; an earnest request or wish.” To me, that definition only scratches the surface. I believe, and have found to be true, that prayer is a relationship building form of communication with our Creator. It is, in itself, an act of worship. Through prayer our innermost thoughts and desires are shared as well as our thanks and praises to the One who made us. As a result of this intimate form of communication, our relationship with God develops and our bond is strengthened. If we never engage in conversation with our friends or husbands, those relationships will quickly deteriorate. It is the same with God. As we seek to get to know Him more, communicating through prayer helps us grow closer and become more intimately connected. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
We should also come before Him in prayer with expectancy and a willingness to hear from Him! We can feel confident that when we humble ourselves before God, He will hear all our prayers.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).
One tool that greatly contributes to the power of our prayers is to pray through the Scriptures.Hebrews 4:12 says that “God’s Word is alive and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword.” When we speak and pray God’s Word, we are coming into agreement with Him, and demonstrating our faith in His answers. In her book, Praying God’s Word, Beth Moore puts it extremely well, “When you speak God’s Word out loud with confidence in Him rather than in your own ability to believe, you are breathing faith. Believing and speaking the truth of God’s word is like receiving blessed CPR from the Holy Spirit.”
Praying God’s Word is a simple, yet powerful method of prayer that will positively enrich your prayer life. You may simply add Scripture to your prayers, or turn a verse into your prayer by putting it in your own words. I’ve included the steps below for you to refer to as you seek to deepen your relationship with God through prayer.
1. Choose a Bible verse – this can be your weekly memory verse, a favorite verse, some lines of Scripture that seem to stand out to you as you read God’s Word, or any verse that applies to a situation you may be facing.
2. Write the verse out – I use my computer or prayer journal.
3. Re-write the verse in your own words – personalizing it and applying it to your situation in a prayer form.
4. Pray – Read the verse and your prayer out loud, directing your words to the Lord.
It won’t take long for this method to infuse all of your prayers. Personally, I like to write down the prayers because I find I can express myself better when I write, but you may find that is not necessary for you. Simply include scripture in your verbal prayers! I know you will be blessed by the power of His Word.
Examples:
"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" 2 Corinthians 4:17
Thank you, Father, for the hope you give. Though we experience trials in this life, you promise us that better days are to come! I am so thankful that even in the midst of difficulties; you are with me and will carry me through to a glorious tomorrow! In Jesus' name, amen.
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7
Oh Lord, in You, I have been blessed beyond measure! I praise your holy name! Thank you for your protection and the strength you give. You are the Rock upon which I stand and I am secure with you. In You I have found all things I need. You are always faithful, always loving, and always wise. My heart is filled with thankfulness and joy! I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We should also come before Him in prayer with expectancy and a willingness to hear from Him! We can feel confident that when we humble ourselves before God, He will hear all our prayers.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).
One tool that greatly contributes to the power of our prayers is to pray through the Scriptures.Hebrews 4:12 says that “God’s Word is alive and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword.” When we speak and pray God’s Word, we are coming into agreement with Him, and demonstrating our faith in His answers. In her book, Praying God’s Word, Beth Moore puts it extremely well, “When you speak God’s Word out loud with confidence in Him rather than in your own ability to believe, you are breathing faith. Believing and speaking the truth of God’s word is like receiving blessed CPR from the Holy Spirit.”
Praying God’s Word is a simple, yet powerful method of prayer that will positively enrich your prayer life. You may simply add Scripture to your prayers, or turn a verse into your prayer by putting it in your own words. I’ve included the steps below for you to refer to as you seek to deepen your relationship with God through prayer.
1. Choose a Bible verse – this can be your weekly memory verse, a favorite verse, some lines of Scripture that seem to stand out to you as you read God’s Word, or any verse that applies to a situation you may be facing.
2. Write the verse out – I use my computer or prayer journal.
3. Re-write the verse in your own words – personalizing it and applying it to your situation in a prayer form.
4. Pray – Read the verse and your prayer out loud, directing your words to the Lord.
It won’t take long for this method to infuse all of your prayers. Personally, I like to write down the prayers because I find I can express myself better when I write, but you may find that is not necessary for you. Simply include scripture in your verbal prayers! I know you will be blessed by the power of His Word.
Examples:
"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" 2 Corinthians 4:17
Thank you, Father, for the hope you give. Though we experience trials in this life, you promise us that better days are to come! I am so thankful that even in the midst of difficulties; you are with me and will carry me through to a glorious tomorrow! In Jesus' name, amen.
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7
Oh Lord, in You, I have been blessed beyond measure! I praise your holy name! Thank you for your protection and the strength you give. You are the Rock upon which I stand and I am secure with you. In You I have found all things I need. You are always faithful, always loving, and always wise. My heart is filled with thankfulness and joy! I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
