Home »
By Allan Swinson
Money. Family. Health. Friends. Work. War. The Lost. Let’s face it, there is no shortage of things we can pray for. But sometimes, do you ever find yourself thinking, “I don’t know what to pray for!” It has happened to all of at one time or another.
The Bible as Inspiration
Fortunately, God has given us an amazing resource for prayer: His very Word. Not only is the Bible full of excellent examples of prayer – just read the Psalms – but we can use any Bible passage to inspire us to pray.
A great way to begin your Bible reading is by inviting God into it with you. Simply pray, “God, would you meet me here today? Please give me eyes to see what You would have me see. Speak to me through Your Word, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As you read, pay attention to a word, a phrase, or a sentence that stands out to you. Remember, you asked God to reveal something to you. Read with expectation and anticipate a word from Him.
When something grabs your attention, use this as your prayer focus. For example, let’s say you are reading Matthew chapter 10 where Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to do ministry on His behalf. Jesus warns them that they will face adversity, but He assures them in verse 19, “At that time you will be given what to say.” Let’s imagine for the sake of this exercise that is what stood out to you. You could pray…
Lord, I pray that You would send me like You sent the disciples. I want to be used by You. I’m not always sure what to say when talking to others about You, Jesus, but please give me words to say. I trust You, Lord. Here I am… send me.
The Bible is an excellent source of inspiration that can fuel any believer’s prayer life. Whether it’s words of adoration, psalms of lament, the faith of a Bible hero, or an inspiring story, you can use Scripture to spark your imagination and find new, meaningful ways to talk to God.
less.
4 Responses
Amen! Thank you Pastor Alan
This was great for me. I learn something new with each reading in the bible
Praying God Word is a mainstay for me. I learned in Bible School to pray Scriptural Prayer and to be led by The Holy Spirit in prayer. Applying that in my life has drawn people to me, in all arenas. I’ve prayed for people in stores, parking lots, convenience stores, on airplanes, restaurants.
to share their story and needs so that I will pray for them.
Just a week ago God arranged that IHOP had no other customers so that I could share Jesus with this young waitress that I really connected with. She was so receptive and it was just a part of our conversation. She was so grateful and I was filled, not just with pancakes but, with The Holy Spirit!
Also, in reading The Word to feed, which is different than reading just to read, I have learned that I read till it really connects and it speaks to me… I stop. I ask God to speak to me throughout the day and reveal truth that applies to me in my life.
I’ve found that, as with eating, if I continue reading when I’m full, I won’t be able to retain what I’m reading. If, like eating past being full, you may lose what you’ve eaten!
These two methods, have been vital in my Prayer life. I feel like being available to be used by God has created a type Prayer Evangelism!
Love God, Love People and Share Jesus!
JoAnn ❤️
I need to read scripture more often. I pray to God all of the time. I actually have a conversation with him. I do read books and journal for my Stronger together book and I just finished read The Chosen’s book of the gospels, Matthew, Mark , Luke, and John which was an easy read to understand the life of Jesus. I’m going to make a better effort to read the scriptures so I can talk to God about them during my prayer times🙏❤️