When we use God’s own words by praying Scripture, we’re aligning ourselves with His heart and praying according to His will. What better way is there to give our prayer life new meaning?
How then do you pray using the Word of God as a guide?
WHEN A PASSAGE SPEAKS TO YOU , IT’S TIME TO PRAY GOD’S WORD.
You can reword the passage into a prayer in any way God leads you. Here are some examples. I have referenced the passages involved.
Restate God’s truth, affirming your faith:
Father, thank You that You are always good and that Your love endures forever (1 Chron. 16:34).
Talk to God about passages you don’t understand:
Father Your word says, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). I know that I do not live up to that standard. Please help me understand and walk like Christ.
Ask God for what you need:
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:24).
Confess sin and ask God to change your life:
Father, I know that You hate pride and arrogance (Prov. 8:13); yet I see the ugly face of pride in my life.
Teach me today to be compassionate and humble (1 Pet. 3:8).
Praise God with your paraphrase of the words of Scripture:
I know, Lord, that You are indescribably great. You are greater than all the gods of this world (Ps. 135:5).
Here is another example taken from the first part of Psalm 86: 1-3.
First, read a verse, or part of a verse, aloud. Then, use God’s Word to pray to God, as the Spirit prompts you.
Verse 1: Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. (NIV)
You might pray something like this:
Father, I come to You in Jesus Name. I know I am poor and needy, but You have brought me near by the blood of Jesus. Hear me Father. Answer my prayer. I feel like my spiritual life is poor and needy. Everywhere I turn, I feel downcast, and need your help, Oh God. I also come to You on behalf of my brothers and sisters on The Comforter’s Room. Many of them are in need of Your help in certain ares of their lives, they need Your strength and comfort. Hear my prayer, Oh Lord, on their behalf. Answer me, God, for your name’s sake and to show your love to your children in this group.
Verse 2: Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you.
Using this verse as a prayer prompt, you might pray to God like this:
You alone God are strong enough to guard my life. You are strong and mighty. By your grace, help me be faithful to you. Save me, Father, from the work of the Evil One. I trust in you. You are trustworthy, Oh God. From everlasting to everlasting, you have always kept your word. I trust in you. You are my light and my strong salvation. You are our salvation. You alone are the hope of salvation for this world. So, Father, guard us, save us, help us, we look to you and you alone.
Verse 3: You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
A prayer based on verse 3 might sound like this:
You are my God. You are the true God. Lord, I repent of the times I have chased idols and not placed you first in my heart. So many times, I have gone my own way and not listened to your still, quiet voice. Forgive, loving Father, and have mercy on me. Give me a heart that calls to you all day. Give me a prayer warrior’s heart to pray for my city, country, and the nations. Let your praise and prayer be continually on my mind and on my lips. May your Spirit give me strength and encouragement to press forward, even in times when I fail and am cast down.
From these examples,
You can see how using the Word of God to talk to God will deepen your walk with God.
This method allows you to internalize and apply God’s Word faster than typical Bible study.
As you practice using the Word of God in your prayers, your prayer life will be fresh and you will cover the important topics of a surrendered spiritual life.
Praying God’s Word involves using Scripture as a guide and inspiration for your prayers, speaking His language, and allowing His words to inform your requests and expressions of faith.
Here’s a more detailed approach to praying the Word of God:
PRACTICE PRAYING GOD’S WORD BASED ON SPECIFIC NEEDS
Choose a Passage:
Select a section of Scripture: Start with a passage that resonates with you or addresses a specific need.
Read it thoroughly: Understand the context, meaning, and message of the passage.
If needed, consult a study Bible or other resources to deepen your understanding of the passage.
Pray the Passage:
Read it slowly and deliberately: Engage with the words and allow them to sink into your heart.
Pause after each verse or section: Reflect on the meaning and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer.
Pray using the words of the passage: Speak to God using the language of His Word.
Look for ways the verse encourages you: Pray for needs, confess sins, worship God, or express gratitude based on the passage.
Don’t rush: Allow time for God to speak to you through the passage and for your heart to be opened to His truth.
More Examples of Praying Scripture:
Based on a Psalm:
“Lord, as the Psalmist says, ‘You are my shepherd, I shall not want’ (Psalm 23:1). I trust in Your provision and guidance, knowing You will always meet my needs.”
Based on a New Testament Passage:
“Gracious God, I come boldly to Your throne, as Hebrews 4:16 says. I need Your mercy and grace in my life.”
Key Principles:
Speak God’s language: Pray using His words, not just your own.
Don’t be afraid to speak from your heart: Share your hopes, desires, worries, and problems with God.
Trust in God’s wisdom and timing: Acknowledge that His ways are higher than yours.
Pray for God’s will to be done: Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions.
Thank God for His Word and blessings: Express gratitude for the privilege of praying His Word.
NOW LET US PRAY
Father, thank You for giving us Your living Word.
Help us Lord to study Your Word with understanding.
Holy Spirit, empower us with divine wisdom to pray Your Word fervently.
I pray that You give us the burning desire for a vibrant prayer life.
In Jesus Christ most precious name, I pray. Amen 
Have a blessed day 
