Prayer & The Word
“This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
I remember when my father would give guidance or a promise of some kind, I would often return to Him with the reminder, “Dad, you said…” God, who is the perfect parent, knows exactly what we need even before we ask, but as our Father He wants us to come to Him in complete dependence. We see this exemplified in Jesus’ life.
Prayer was central in Jesus’ life with God, second to none.
He made time for it and often stayed up all night praying. I find it fascinating as well that of all the things the disciples could ask Jesus to teach them to do, he was asked to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1)! If Jesus’ life revolved around communing and enjoying His Father in prayer and yielded such incredible Kingdom results, our lives are meant to as well.
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, you are invited to come boldly to God’s throne of grace with all sorts of prayers. We have been seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. We have been spiritually positioned in such a way that we have the gracious ear of God. And because God has no favorite children (Romans 2:11), you can be confident that He welcomes your company and conversation.
Timothy teaches that all scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). It is the inspired, life-giving, timeless revelation God intends for you - as if His words were just spoken directly to you. When we bring to our Heavenly Father what He has shared in scripture, it’s as if we are coming to Him saying, “Dad, you said…” When we pray like this we are agreeing with what He has revealed and spoken in alignment with His words, will, or example.
Here’s an example of how I pray God’s Word.
As I read my Bible, I write my children’s initials next to verses pertaining to the kind of character I desire for the Lord to grow in them. When I pray these scriptures, I am confident and expectant knowing that this is God’s heart for them as well.
Heavenly Father, please conform my children to the image of Your Son (Romans 8:29). Jesus, I pray that they will abide in You (John 15:5) and bear much fruit to Your glory (Gal. 5:22-23). I pray they have a different spirit and follow You fully (Num. 14:24). Empower them to live by Your Spirit and walk by Your Spirit (Gal. 5:25). Father, please increase my children in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man just as Jesus grew (Luke 2:52).
Praying scripture is powerful!
It’s a reminder to yourself and God of your dependency on Him to shape whatever you are asking in prayer. With a mouthful of His Words, your thoughts and motivations begin to harmonize with your Heavenly Father, and just like Jesus prayer becomes one of your greatest joys.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word and Your Spirit which help me to pray according to Your will. I praise You for such an incredible privilege. Lord Jesus, teach ME how to pray! I love You. Amen.