Five Reasons Why You Should Pray Using Scriptures
Constantly seeking God’s face on the altar of prayer does wonders for the believer. But, do you know what is even better? Praying with Scriptures. Yes! Praying with scripture is one of the most effective ways to communicate with God.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16 NKJV
For those new to the faith or wondering what praying with scripture is all about, here is your answer.
Praying scriptures entails praying the words you read in scriptures. This means picking up a chapter, verse, or concept from the Bible, and appropriating it to a particular situation or problem while communicating with God.
Personally, I do not feel like I have effectively communicated with my Heavenly Father if I do not pray using Scriptures. There is just this power and faith that stems from knowing that at that point, it is His word against His word. Remember that God puts His word above His name and He does not like His word being ineffective. Now, just imagine the tremendous power you release when you interact with Him through His word.
I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
Psalms 138:2 NKJV
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11 NKJV
Still reluctant about praying with scriptures? Here are valid reasons why it is necessary:
- God has breathed on His Word: There is life in the Scriptures. Every word there is inspired by Him. They are not mere words. They are the living word of God. Because His life (Zoe) flows through them. By praying Scriptures, you are speaking power and God’s truth to your situation or problem.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”
II Timothy 3:16 NKJV
- Praying scriptures purifies your heart, motives and prayers: Most times, our petitions may not be in line with God’s plan for the believer. Nonetheless, one thing I know about God’s word is that it is constantly purging our motives and desires. So, Scriptures help the believer pray in line with God’s desires for us and purifies our intents, as the Scriptures are holy.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
- God watches over His word to perform it: The Bible says it all in Isaiah 55:11; God does not like His word to returnway without accomplishing anything. When you pray using Scriptures, you compel God to perform or act on your prayer request, in order for His Word not return void but return with testimonies.
Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.
Jeremiah 1:12 NKJV
- Praying scriptures builds and increases your faith in God: Faith comes by hearing and hearing and hearing. Without reading or knowing God’s word, faith and hope will be missing. Using Scriptures during prayers is fundamental in building and increasing your faith to actually receive what you are asking for.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17 NKJV
- It is a key to answered prayers: Want a timely response to your prayers? Pray from His word. This way, you pressure Him to act on your behalf, as He hold His word in high regard.
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
I John 5:15 NKJV
Prayer is a tool used to conquer life’s battles and challenges. But when we add God’s word, it becomes a weapon. Do well to weaponize your tool today and watch triumphs abound.
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