40 Days of Prayer: Day 28
Praying the promises of Gods word
Keying in on Sunday’s messages for our blog today. Sunday morning we looked at promises that Jesus made to the disciples that carry over to us as followers of Christ. Then Sunday night we looked at what it means to pray scripture to God.
John 14:2 Jesus, promised to prepare a place for us when He returns.
John 14:12 Jesus promised that we would do even greater works than He had done.
John 14:16 Jesus promised to send the "Holy Spirit”, to comfort and counsel them, The Holy Spirit is our helper.
In John 14:19-26 we see 4 more promises, the promise of a supernatural life, supernatural knowledge, supernatural presence, and supernatural revelation. Some say there are as many as 7,487 promises in the Bible that God made to us.
We read a great reminder that Gods promises do not fail from Joshua...
Joshua 23:14 “Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the Lord your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.
There is amazing power in praying scripture that builds and strengthens our faith. We can count on it. Jesus even used it when the Devil tempted him in Matthew 4:1-11. These temptations come in three patterns that we all stubble with, or have struggled with. Then first temptation is lust of the flesh, Jesus just fasted 40 days. He is hungry. The devil tempts him to turn the stones into bread, Jesus responded with Deuteronomy 8:3 “…man does not live by bread alone”. The second temptation was the pride of life, and the devil quoted scripture Psalm 91:11-12, the angels will take care of Him, to which Jesus replies using Deuteronomy 6:16 telling him it would be wrong for Him to abuse His powers. Then the third temptation has to do with the lust of the eyes, satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms he has been given, if Jesus would just bow down to him. Jesus’ response? Deuteronomy 6:13, “you shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only”!
Gods word, Gods promises used effectively when temptation hits. If we use scripture as we pray, we are acknowledging that we have read Gods word and understand it and Gods intentions for our daily lives. There is something powerful and reassuring about praying the very words of God back to him that keeps our minds focused. It helps us know God will be pleased.
However, I caution you don't just grab and go… stay with in the context of scripture. I saw a great meme on FaceBook. It said; "I can do ALL things when I take scripture out of context…” name, claim, command and demand… So lets start there first… if we are to pray scripture, make sure you study the context of that scripture and its true application.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
This is one of the most abused scriptures. It has nothing to do with touchdowns, dunking basketballs, winning marathon races or closing an amazing business deal. This is the Apostle Paul under house arrest awaiting trial, and he is aware that he may be put to death for preaching about the resurrection of Jesus. Paul could have easily sat in the corner and wallowed in his self pity. But he chose to use this to encourage the young church in Philipi. He is a living example of being able to endure in any circumstance. The highs and lows of his journey with all of the ups and downs were doable because he had his eyes fixed on Jesus. His hope was in the Lord at all times. That is where he drew his strength from. He is living life as a genuine Spirit filled believer, he had the supernatural strength to endure all things, in all seasons and situations.
As do we!
See how easy it was to put that scripture in its proper perspective? Dont just point at a scripture and pray it, you may get yourself into trouble. Take time to read Gods word, study it and apply it to your daily life, let scripture be your first prayer response when crisis happens. If we have been studying Gods word, it comes to mind as the Holy Spirit works in and through us. There are many times I go to prayer, and I do not know what or how to pray. So look at what we should rely on.
Romans 8:26
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Here are a few more promises from Gods word: Look them up, read before and after them and then apply them to your life or situation as you pray.
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still
Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother so that you may live long an the land of the LORD you God is giving you.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously, to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves then to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Proverbs 22:6 train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.
We must be a Godly influence in our families, businesses and community.
It starts with us being genuine Spirit filled believers that know and understand Gods word and how to apply it daily!
We must press in and pray harder then ever…
Ephesians 5:16...making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
Love you all!
Prayed for you this morning!
Pastor Scott