When The Write and Pray Scripture Challenge kicked off, I received requests for explanation and help in writing out prayers using Bible verses. So here’s a mini tutorial to help, with examples.
Praying God’s Word is a beautiful way to pray because we’re actually praying truth (see John 17:17), and at the same time we’re reminding our hearts of truth, which is so reassuring! And our hearts need constant reminders and reassurance. Praying Scripture is powerful because we’re aligning our prayers (and our hearts) with truth.
Whenever we read a Bible verse that resonates, challenges us, or makes us long for that thing (such as peace or comfort), we can immediately turn that verse into a prayer.
EXAMPLE:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3).
When I pray this verse, it might look something like this:
Oh Lord, I’m grateful that You are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Oh God in Your great mercy, calm and comfort my aching heart. I’m so grateful that You know and understand my hurts, and You are able to bring comfort every moment, even as I walk through this hard situation. I entrust it all to You, In Christ’s name, amen.
Your prayer might look completely different, and that’s okay! We are unique individuals in specific circumstances, yet God’s Word beautifully applies to us all.
HERE’S AN EXAMPLE USING A VERSE FROM OUR CURRENT CHALLENGE:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Colossians 1:15)
So in my notebook or 3-ring binder, I would probably write out a prayer something like this:
Lord Jesus, You are the image of the invisible God, and You reflected all the character of God while you walked the earth. Help me to know You more as I study Your Word. Give me understanding and help me to love You more, firstborn of all creation. In Your name I pray, amen.
Again, your prayer might look completely different. That’s the beauty of praying Scripture. As individuals, we all will see a different facet of truth or glean something personal just for our hearts – exactly what we need and right when we need it.
If this is a new way to pray for you, using Scripture as a prayer prompt might feel challenging, but I encourage you to do it anyway. PRAY about it and ask the Lord to lead, guide, and help you. There is no right or wrong way to write out a prayer. Just keep it authentic, from your heart, while focusing on Him and trusting Christ to lead and guide you.
I’m praying for you!
Leave a comment