PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES

Do you sometimes begin to pray and don’t feel that you have the right words? Do you feel your prayers could be more empowered, or more personal?

We know that prayer is simply talking with God. We also know that James promised us in James 5:16 that when our prayers are honest and fervent, they bring about much! Have you ever considered the most effective prayers come right from the Bible? Through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit often shows us for what we need to be praying.

 God can transform our lives when we pray the words we read in Scripture. Praying the Scriptures is simply taking a passage, verse, or idea in Scripture and applying it to specific needs.

This past Sunday we heard a message about growing. The Bible is replete with growing analogies – our spiritual growth is to mimic healthy natural growth. In 1 John 2, and in John 15, we read the words “remain,” or “abide.” We are to remain in Christ. We are to abide in Him. Just as grapes cluster close to the Vine, so are we to stay that close too! When we remain in God’s Word by praying it, our hearts become more aligned with God’s heart!

Here is how to pray the Scriptures:
Make sure you understand the Scripture you’ll be praying. Ask yourself what it says, what it means, and what the Holy Spirit wants you to take away from it. Let’s look at Philippians 4:6-7 as an example: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” We are not to be anxious or worrying about anything. Instead, with gratitude, we give everything to Jesus in prayer. He gives us His peace in return!

 Here's an example of personalizing this Scripture: “Lord, I thank You that I don’t have to be anxious about anything. I thank You that I can give my problems to You. Take away my worries over covid, the economy, and that one family member I’m especially concerned about. Thank You that I can trust You to take care of it all. Thank You for Your peace in return. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Here's another example. From Psalm 100:5. Personalizing it: “Lord, You are good. Your steadfast love endures forever. I’m so grateful for that. Your Word promises me Your faithfulness lasts to all generations. May this be true for our family’s generations too!

 One more. From Isaiah 40:31 “Thank You Lord that since I hope in You, You’ll renew my strength. Do so now, please. You know I’m tired. Refresh Me! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.