“For the word of God is living and powerful.” Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
I recently heard from a woman who said that she was thoroughly enjoying reading my devotionals, because they taught her how to pray the Word of God. She told me that her prayer life had become “stale,” and so had her quiet time with the Lord, before she learned this principle. She said that she was passing this “treasure” on to others, so that they would find “the comfort and power that praying the Word offers.”
I knew exactly what this woman was talking about, because years ago, I had discovered how praying God’s Word could not only revolutionize a person’s prayer life, but every other aspect of their life, as well as the lives of those around them. I bought a stack of books filled with Scripture-based prayers, and began using them daily. I also began memorizing Bible verses and promises, and putting them in prayer form. As a result, I witnessed the power of God working in my life, and the lives of my loved ones, like never before.
I knew from the very beginning that praying God’s Word wasn’t going to do me much good if I didn’t believe that it was truly the Word of the living God. So I made myself a list of Scriptures that would remind me of the truth and power of God’s Word. The apostle Paul wrote: “And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 AMP) When we put our trust in the Word of God, we can experience its supernatural power in our hearts and lives. But there’s more. As we share God’s Word with others in faith, we can expect the Lord to get involved in our ministry efforts, and to cause them to produce results. Mark 16:20 (KJV) says: “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.”
Whenever I pray God’s Word, I expect it to bear fruit in the hearts, lives, and circumstances I’m focusing on. And that’s a realistic expectation, according to the Scriptures. Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT) says: “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with My word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” We may not see the fruit with our eyes for quite some time in some instances, but the Lord has promised that eventually, it will manifest. As we do our part, God will do His. As the Lord told the prophet Jeremiah, “I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.” (Jeremiah 1:12 AMP) You will never catch God sleeping on the job. He is always alert and listening for His Word, whether we pray it in faith, or we speak it out in faith to ourselves or others.
The Bible says, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89 NKJV) Whenever I see this Scripture, I think about a bumper sticker I have seen that says: “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.” If you don’t make up your mind that God’s Word is true, then you will be an easy target for Satan’s deceptions, and he will be able to torment you with fear and doubt on a regular basis. And you will not be able to pray or speak the Word with power. Scripture says: “But the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2 NKJV) As inherently powerful as the Word of God is, it will do us little good if we fail to believe it. Isaiah 62:6 (AMP) says: “Put the Lord in remembrance of His promises.” When we have a problem, we have the privilege of going to God and holding His Word up to Him in prayer, and in faith. When our prayers are promise-centered, instead of problem-centered, we will see the Lord move mountains on our behalf. Today, practice praying God’s Word with me, and say – “Lord, increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5 AMP)
Lord, show me how to pray and speak Your Word with power. As I pray your Word in faith, let me see You working wonders in my life and circumstances, and those of my loved ones. Thank You that Your Word profits me because I mix it with faith!
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