How to Claim Scripture When You Pray
Do you wonder about all the verses in the Bible? I do. There are so many and each verse can mean something to me a different way at a different time.
I learned something even more fantastic as I read through The Circle Maker. If we take a verse from God’s Word we can pray it back to God. I have done this a couple of times before. Now, though, it feels like it should be something I do on a more regular basis. We have written about praying the Scripture in previous posts. Here are some. You can search for more by using the search button on the sidebar.
Have You Prayed the Scriptures?
How Can We Pray Using the Scriptures?
When we circle someone in prayer, we can add Scripture to that prayer. For instance let’s say we are praying for our families (and we know we all pray for our families). It doesn’t have to be fancy – I actually did my first one with all their names in it. I wrote it in pen in my journal. Then around the outside I circle that prayer with Scripture. This time I wrote the verses. Sometimes I write the words of one Scripture around the outside.
The Bible tells us that the Lord is watching over His word to perform it. There is nothing God loves more than keeping His promises. He is actively watching and waiting for us to simply take him at His word. (The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson, page 102)
Here are some Scriptures you can use for your family.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
God is watching and waiting to favour His children. So we pray favour over them.
Philippians 4:4-8 (if anyone of your family suffers from fears)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Praying for peace over someone who fears, can be such a blessing. Praying that they think the right thoughts is a powerful prayer.
Do you get what I mean? Taking God’s Word and sending it back to Him as a prayer.
One more example. What if we wanted one particular outcome? After praying about and sensing that God is in agreement, then we write that desire or dream inside a circle. Then we find Scripture to pray around it.
Mark talks about a building that they wanted to buy. It seemed hopeless and impossible. They circle the building both physically and in prayer, using a Scripture that they sensed God would give them favour for the building. They prayed Matthew 18:18.
Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
They believed God had promised them the building so they prayed back His promise to Him. And they did get the building – at a reduced rate I might add.
Even this Scripture can be used because God wants to give gifts to His children. Joshua 1:2.
Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.
Tweetable:
How we can take God’s Word and send it back to Him as prayer. (tweet this)
I am in the learning stages of this way to pray. Have you used Scripture to pray back to God? Have you read The Circle Maker? What other ideas can you give us?
Prayer:
Thank You for your Word. We are so blessed to have it. Help us to learn how to pray back your Word to You. Thank You again for listening to our prayers. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
Janis Cox
Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog called Family and Faith Matters.
Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild andInscribe Writers Fellowship.