Praying Scripture
Today’s reading: Ephesians 1:17, Ephesians 6:10-18
Yesterday, we talked about how we can hear God’s voice. One of the avenues we learned about was hearing God through Scripture. Today, we want to take that one step further and understand how praying Scripture over our circumstances gives our prayers power and authority.
We are promised that God’s Word never fails or returns void (Isaiah 55:11). In Ephesians 1:17, Paul says, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Paul fully understood the power that came from Holy Spirit and knew that when other believers received the same wisdom and revelation, it would change the way they prayed and understood how God answered those prayers.
When we pray Scripture, we are literally using the words that God has deemed holy and good to change our world. We can use God’s Word to pray for ourselves, for others in our life, and for any situation that may present itself. It gives our prayers power beyond just words that our mind strings together. As you read Scripture begin to form what you read into a prayer. Here are some examples.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says ”if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Lord, I humble myself before you today asking for forgiveness and grace. I desire to seek your face and live a life that pleases you. Would you heal our wicked corrupt world and deliver us from the sin and bondage we find ourselves entangled in? Amen
Psalm 23:1-4 says “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Lord, I am going through a really difficult circumstance. I feel so alone and broken. I find hope in knowing that you walk alongside me, even in the darkest moments of my life. Would you refresh my soul and comfort me during this time? Help me to feel your presence in my life. Amen
ACTION STEP: Now you try to practice praying scripture. (If you don’t know where to start, try opening the book of Psalms; it is full of different prayers for various life situations).
Use the PRAY (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) acronym to spend time in prayer.
What is one circumstance in your life that you could use an answer from God about?
How has God’s Word influenced your prayer life?
* If you are looking for a Scripture that connects with what you are going through, you can search keywords (ex: loneliness, forgiveness, grief) on YouVersion (bible.com). This website/App will show you Scripture as well as devotionals that connect with what you are going through.
