A Day-by-day devotional

January 24, 2023

Praying the Bible

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 45-47

Scripture of the Day: Acts 4:23-31

Sometimes, we cannot conjure in our minds the words we want to say. Words fail us. This leads us to say, “I do not know what and how to pray.”

The Bible is already filled with God’s recorded promise. That means, whatever we read from the bible are the words that align with the desires, purpose and plans of God for His people. If these words are poured out from God’s own heart, we can be rest assured that they are perfectly what the Lord wants for us. Therefore, when we come to Him in prayer, and we are at a loss for words, the most effective words to pray would be His very words. If we pray God’s desires for us contained in His Word, we wouldn’t have to question whether our prayer would be answered or not. It is in fact, the surest way to pray.

Since the Bible contains God’s promises and plans for His people, having the Bible in your hands and praying the Scripture out loud to God would be a declaration of one’s faith. It is the Lord’s nature to be true to His promises. He doesn’t forget them and He will not forget you. Hence, when you approach His throne room with both humility and boldness, i.e. humility to acknowledge your need of Him, and boldness to ask Him what you need because you are sure that it is within His will, you need not fret about what you are praying for. It would surely be answered with a yes and amen! (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Jesus said, whenever we pray, we should not be like the heathen who prays repetitive prayers that are meaningless. Those prayers are naught (Matthew 6:7-8). However, praying God’s words to Him gives us the confidence that we would surely get what we are asking for. It would always come answered in God’s own perfect time! This is true because whenever we pray back to God the very words that He has given us, we know that we are praying according to His will.

Reflection: Do you sometimes come to God in prayer, seemingly at a loss for words, not knowing what to say? In this case, have you tried meditating on God’s Word and using the words recorded in His book when you approach Him in prayer?

Prayer: Father, there are times when I do not know what to pray. My mouth and mind fail to form the words I want to say. Grant me the confidence to approach your throne of grace with the words that you have already promised me and spoken over my life. Amen!