5 minute read
Ever Interceding
Praying Scripture
BY DIANA BROWN
Have you ever found yourself not knowing how to pray? Sitting down to pray only to find you have no words coming out of your mouth? As you pray, tears flow instead of words? I think we all have had experiences like that. I found myself recently in that very position. I did not know what or how to pray. Thankfully, we have Scripture to help and guide us.
Praying Scripture is taking God’s Word and turning it into prayer. You may take a verse or even a passage and pray it back to the Lord.
Three reasons to pray Scripture:
1. The Holy Spirit intervenes in our groanings.
2. The Word of God does not return void.
3. Praying Scripture speaks truth.
To pray Scripture, first read and understand the context in which it was written and then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into applying the Scripture to your life. Here are some examples:
When you read Colossians 3:15 (ESV), And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
You may pray, Lord, I thank you that your peace rules in my heart. Lord, I never wish to take for granted all you have done in my life
When you read Psalm 24:1 (ESV), The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.
You may pray, Lord, everything is yours in this whole world, including those who dwell in it. When we base our prayers on Scripture, we have a solid foundation because we are using the perfect Word of God. We aren’t depending on our own words but on GOD’s Word, which intervenes on our behalf through the Holy Spirit, doing what it needs to do. Scripture does not return void (empty) but speaks truth.
And even when our words feel feeble, we can come with CONFIDENCE before God’s throne! Because, as Christians, we have Jesus intervening on our behalf. He is our great high priest who can truly understand what it is to be human.
If you do not know where to begin in praying Scripture, I suggest starting with Psalms. The book of Psalms has so many wonderful passages to use to pray that will help you in praying Scripture.
For instance, let’s practice with the first two verses of Psalm 23 (ESV)
Lord because you are my shepherd, I lack or want nothing. Lord, you give me a place to lie down. You guide me beside still or peaceful waters.
Your turn. Read Psalm 23 (ESV) TWICE slowly, prayerfully, and meditatively. Underline words or phrases that speak to your heart.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Now, pray these verses back to the Lord. Write out your prayer in your journal.
Jesus knows our heart and the intent of it. I love how Jesus encourages us to connect with Him deeply and to be ever interceding through prayer. It is powerful when we use His Word in prayer!
We have only scratched the surface in this article. My prayer is that you will be encouraged to pray the Scriptures daily and that it will help grow you in your prayer life. I pray it will make you thirsty to know more. Psalm 42:1 (ESV) says, As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. May we pant as deer for the Lord always!
How has your prayer life been affected as you pray the Word? Share with us the new things Jesus is showing you by praying Scripture. I love hearing your God stories and how the Lord is using the Ever Interceding column in your life! Reach out via email: Diana@womenworldleaders.com
