Praying the scriptures is an effective way to connect with God on a deeper level. By incorporating scripture into your prayer life, you can grow closer to God, as well as receive guidance and comfort in difficult times.
In this guide, we will look at why it’s important to pray using scripture, different methods of praying with scripture, and provide examples of prayers for 2023.
What does it mean to pray the Scriptures?
Let’s start by looking at why it is important to pray with scripture. By praying with scripture, you are aligning yourself more closely with God’s will and inviting Him into your situation. Whether you’re facing a personal challenge or trying to make an important decision, using scripture in your prayer life can help to guide and encourage you.
What are some scriptures on prayer?
The Bible offers a wealth of scriptures on prayer, from the Lord’s Prayer to verses that speak about the power of praying for others. Here are some examples:
1. Ephesians 6:18
Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
This verse comes from a passage in the book of Ephesians that talks about putting on the armor of God and standing firm against the devil’s schemes. In this particular verse, the author, the Apostle Paul, emphasizes the importance of prayer as a key part of spiritual warfare.
He encourages believers to pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, and to be watchful and persevering in prayer for other believers as well. The idea is that through prayer, we can draw closer to God, seek his will, and find strength and protection against the spiritual battles we may face.
2. Matthew 6:9-13
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, you will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”
This is a part of the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus taught to His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. This prayer serves as a template for how we should pray, emphasizing humility, repentance, and reliance on God. It encourages us to seek God’s will and to trust in His provision from day to day.
3. Matthew 7:7-11
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
This passage from Matthew 7:7-11 encourages believers to pray boldly and confidently, knowing that God will answer our prayers. It speaks of the importance of trust in God’s provision, as well as reliance on Him for strength and guidance.
How do you pray Scripture?
Now that we have looked at some scriptures on prayer, let’s take a look at how you can incorporate them into your prayer life. But first, to reach your desired outcome, you should take these steps:
1. Read the Word
First, start by reading the scriptures you have chosen for prayer. Take some time to meditate on them and allow God’s Word to speak to you.
2. Personalize the Word
Once you have read and meditated on the scriptures, begin to personalize them in your prayer. This may involve adapting the words to make them more meaningful for you and your situation.
3. Pray
Once you have personalized the scriptures, start praying them out loud. Praying aloud allows you to take ownership of the words and makes your prayer more powerful. Your prayer can be either for;
- Thanksgiving
- Praise
- Confession
- Repentance
- Consecration
4. Reflect
Finally, take some time to reflect on the scriptures and what they mean to you. Allow God’s Word to shape your thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
By doing these simple steps, you can use scripture to enrich your prayer life and draw closer to God through an even deeper understanding of His Word. So why not give it a try today?
How to turn scripture into prayer?
It’s easy to turn scripture into prayer. Start by choosing a passage from the Bible that speaks to you or reflects what is going on in
