Ever feel so helpless that you can think of nothing else to do to help a situation, except to pray? I’m task-oriented, and that means a task gives me purpose. But, what if my greatest purpose is to pray? Prayer is hard work. It is a discipline that harnesses the mind and will and channels it to seek God’s will. So, instead of prayer being the last resort, it becomes my first choice.
Scripture is a great tool for prayer. It mobilizes and empowers prayers. For example, which prayers are more effective?
A. “Lord, bless Nate today.”
B. “Lord, enable Nate to know how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:18-19)
A. “Lord, be with Kenzie today.”
B. “Lord, may Kenzie know the truth of Your Word today and be reminded that You will never leave her or forsake her.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
A. “Lord, protect Anna today.”
B. “Lord, may Anna find refuge in You today. Carry her safely in Your everlasting arms. Destroy any evil intended for her.” (Deuteronomy 33:27)
In every A example, I am asking good things for my family. But the B examples help me to feel I’ve really been specific and gone to bat for them. One of the places I learned to be very specific in prayer was through Moms In Prayer, International. Moms In Prayer organizes moms to pray for their children and schools. And they have equipped countless families to build a strong foundation in God’s Word. It helped ours through some tough times, as well. Check out their website for more prayer tips.
As author, Mary DeMuth prompts, May I pray for you today?
“May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:17-19a) Amen. In the comments section (located under the title), tell me what Scripture you will use to infuse your prayers today!
Sally
I know Psalm 139:14 always leads me to worship & prayer realizing God saved me from death as my mother died birthing me and how much He loves me!
That’s beautiful, Robin!
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creations will be able to separate me (us) from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 8:38 & 39
I claim His promises and this where my hope comes from.
Beautiful, and so appropriate for trying times!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, Romans 15:13
Thank you Lois. What a beautiful gift we have in Scripture!
Love this. I love including scripture in prayer too. I often pray Psalm 91:11 over my kids that He command His angels concerning them to guard them in all their ways.
And that He would gather them in His arms and carry them close to His heart all the days of their lives. (Isaiah 40:11)
I also pray my kids would always know that there is nothing that can separate them from God’s love. (Romans 8:38)
Amen!
Beautiful, Michelle! Keep up the good work!
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV
Sally,
I have been on a daily journey,for almost a year now, of praying with purpose for all my kids by name. I love this scripture. It has been a discipline of love and faith in what God is doing in all of their lives. There is no greater peace than at the foot of the throne of Almighty God. He is changing me as I submit to his plan and I am growing as I bow before him. Love this article!
Thanks Becki, that Scripture is a favorite to pray. It sure covers the bases!
Keep up the good work!
Love this encouraging post. God bless you!
Thank you Samantha! Blessings to you!