“so is my word that goes out from my mouth:It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” ( Isaiah 55:11)
Praying through scripture is certainly one of the most effective ways to get to the throne of God. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we find instances of God’s people “praying the Word” by quoting Scripture in their prayers. The reason is simple, by praying through scriptures, one is using the exact words of the one you are pleading to. That makes a difference.
For example, after Peter and John were miraculously released from jail along with believers “they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them” ( Acts 4:24). Here they used a text from Psalm 146:6; “He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever.” Even Jesus himself prayed using the Psalms: His dying prayer on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is found in Psalm 22:1
There are many beautiful passages throughout the Bibe that can speak to any of our respective situations. For like David who prayed, “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human” ( 2 Samuel 7:18-19), this prayer can be applied directly to any life. Just as the Lord spoke to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” ( Deuturonomy 31:8), one can pray for the same in any situation.
Today, just like believers through the ages, find scriptures that speak to your situation, and take advantage to pray through the Word of God!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, you have given us your word so that through it we can experience more of your goodness, and may I cover myself with your Word which “does not return to me empty” this I pray in Jesus’s name!
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
