Praying the Scriptures

I remember the first time I tried to pray for a solid hour. I was about 19 and in my college dorm room. Before that day, I was praying anywhere from 5-10 minutes in one sitting.

Outside of that, I generally only prayed when I had a problem. During that 10 minute window, I typically only used a prayer list and the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as guides to shape my prayer time.

One day I decided to pray a solid hour. I read the Scripture where Jesus asked His disciples, “Could you not tarry with me one hour” (Matthew 26:40) and knew I could pray longer than the disciples or at least not fall asleep in the process. I thought (wrongly) there was something more holy about a solid hour as compared to praying continually throughout the day.

So, I got into my “prayer closet” (which was an actual closet -- later found out you didn’t have to actually go into a closet) and started with my prayer list. After about 15 minutes I ran out of thoughts, words, and items on my list. I prayed the same list three more times until I reached my goal.

Afterwards I felt my hour of power was a failure. I needed something to “beef up” my prayer life but honestly didn’t know what it was. I’ll never forget when I discovered the joy of praying the Scriptures. I quickly realized I’d never run out of things to pray as long as I had the Bible in front of me.

Why should you pray the Scriptures? I’m going to assume you already believe prayer is beneficial and that your prayers should line up with Scripture. While I don’t think you should pray only Scripture, I hope to show how the Scriptures will bring a huge new dimension to your prayer life.

Praying Scripture is, ironically, Scriptural. People throughout the Old and New Testament prayed Scriptures (Acts 4:24-26; Psalm 2:1-2). Jesus also prayed Scripture: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Praying the Scriptures also keeps us focused on what God deems important. Praying the Scriptures reminds us what is on God’s heart. Prayer isn’t primarily about getting our needs met. It is about glorifying God.

When you pray the Bible you are asking for and declaring God’s truth. This can bring great boldness and confidence to your prayer life. When we ask things according to His will and Word, we can have confidence that He hears us (1 John 5:14). Praying Scriptures will leave you full of the right topics to pray for, leaving your time with the Lord fresh and rewarding. It will also keep your prayer life specific and detailed. I’ve also found praying specific Scriptures helps me keep a Biblical worldview and memorize Scripture.

So, now that you know you should, how do you do it? As you read Scripture, write down verses that jump out to you and pray them. Remember, you can pray at any time in any location.

Thank you God for giving me Your Scriptures to guide my life. Help me to pray what’s on Your heart and Your will. I desire Your Kingdom to come in my life. Show me the Scriptures I need for each day and pray they are fulfilled in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Stephen Harrison is the lead pastor of Family Church at White Hall.

Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Please include your phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.