Start Your Prayer Life Strong!
- Maggie Bender
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
Do you struggle with prayer; what to pray, when to pray, or how to pray?
Be assured that God hears and understands us when we pray no matter what words we use. Also, the Holy Spirit prays for us when we don't have the right words or don't even know what to pray for. But, did you know that when you pray using scripture, your prayers are even more powerful? Why? Because you're using God's own words and promises.
HOW TO PRAY USING SCRIPTURE
First, I want to stress the importance of memorizing scripture. This ensures that when you face a specific issue, you have the exact scripture you need readily available for prayer or as a reminder of God's actions in your life. Here is an example: If you struggle with depression, anxiety, fear, or just need strength for any situation:
Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear not, for I am with you. Do not dismay for I am your God . I will strengthen you and uphold you with my righteous right hand.
When you recite this verse, don't just speak it robotically . Really focus on each word and what it means to God and to you. Repeat it until you're saying it from your heart, not just reciting words you memorized. Declare it boldly and out loud. Our spiritual adversaries lose strength when they hear us pray and recite scripture to combat the problems they cause.
Isaiah 41:10 as a prayer could sound like this:
Dear Heavenly Father, I know that you are with me. Take my fear, worry , anxiety and depression from me. I pray that you will strengthen and support me with your righteous right hand just as you have promised in your scripture. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Of course, this prayer can be modified for whatever need you have or struggle you face. It can be a much longer prayer as well. Just slow down and tell God what you need. Prayer shouldn't be rushed, but spoken from your heart.
HOW TO FIND RELATED SCRIPTURE
In the back of your Bible is a concordance where you can find subjects and the verses to read about them. That being said, it can be time consuming since there are many verses on many subjects. With our current technology it is quick and easy to find anything, including Bible verses and prayers. You can search "Scripture for help with ________" or "Prayers for help with_______" You fill in the blank. But PLEASE make sure to refer to your Bible as soon as you can for accuracy. The internet is not perfect, but can be helpful if we're out running errands or at work when we don't have our Bibles with us. Then, commit to memorizing that scripture. Before you know it, you will be a prayer warrior!
THE BOOK OF PSALMS
The book of Psalms is a great place to go for any type of prayer need. Some of them are fairly short if you want to start there for memorization. The Psalms were written by different authors, although David wrote most of them. They were written for the expression of praise, worship, and confession to God.
The most popular Psalm is Psalm 23, written by David. You've probably heard it recited before and you may even remember parts of it since it is the most recited and referenced Psalm in the Bible. It has even made it's way to many genres of music, including rap/hip hop.
PSALM 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley. I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all that days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Here are some other Psalms to read when you need:
To meet God intimately: Psalm 103
To learn a new prayer: Psalm 136
to learn a new song: Psalm 92
To learn more about God: Psalm 24
To understand yourself more clearly: Psalm 8
To know how to come to God each day: Psalm 5
To be forgiven for your sins: Psalm 51
To feel worthwhile: Psalm 139
To understand why you need to read the Bible: Psalm 119
To give praise to God: Psalm 145
To know that God is in control: Psalm 146
To give thanks to God: Psalm 136
To please God: Psalm15
To know why you should worship God: Psalm 104
HOW DID JESUS SAY TO PRAY?
When the disciples asked Jesus how they should pray, He said this :
9 "Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us today the food we need,12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.13 And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. "
-- Matthew 6:9-13
The Complete Lord's Prayer that I learned as a kid goes like this:
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts (trespasses) , as we forgive our debtors (those who trespass against us); and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I pray this article was helpful to you. If you would like to rate and/or leave a comment, please scroll down to do so.
God Bless!