Praying God's Word

Paul writes, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17, KJV). God imparts faith to our hearts when we read the Bible, and as we learn to personalize the Bible and pray its truths, our faith begins to grow. This method of prayer enables us to take hold of the promises of God, embrace them, and walk upon the firm foundation they provide for us.

When I was in the U.S. Army, I began memorizing key verses and passages from the Bible through a study program provided by the Navigators. Memorizing the Word is very important for every believer for many reasons, not the least of which is that doing so will keep us from sin. The Psalmist writes, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps. 119:11, KJV).

There are several questions that we should ask ourselves in order to personalize the Scriptures. With each passage we should ask ourselves:

1. Is there any error here for me to avoid?
2. Is there any command for me to obey?
3. Is there any promise for me to claim?
4. What does this passage teach me about Jesus Christ?
5. Is there any example for me to follow?

As we ask ourselves these questions, we are driven to find answers and apply the truths of the Bible to our lives. The next step, then, in praying God's Word is to speak His truths back to Him in faith and confidence, as the Apostle John teaches: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15, KJV).

In these two verses we find an important key to answered prayer: when we pray according to God's will, we know that He hears us, and we know if He hears us, He will answer us! Isn't this a wonderful promise from the Word of God? One remaining question we need to ask ourselves regards how to know that we are praying according to God's will. God reveals His will to us in several ways, not the least of which is through His Word. Therefore, when we pray His Word, we pray His will, and we receive the petitions we ask of Him!

Let me conclude by reviewing the benefits we receive from praying God's Word:

1. Our faith grows.
2. God hears our prayers.
3. God answers our prayers.

Start praying God's Word and see what happens!