Make It Easier to Trust God

“I could never memorize scripture until I began praying God's Word," my friend Janet said, mentioning one of the benefits of using God's Word in prayer. But there are many more.

When we feel too distressed or too distracted to find the right words to take to God, we can open our Bibles and find it marvelously satisfying to call to Him using His words. 

The promises of God nourish our faith. God did not expect Abraham to believe until He had given Him many promises. He drank in God's promises until his faith became powerful even before the promises were fulfilled. 

God deals with us similarly. Sometimes I ask the Lord, "What specifically should I pray? Give me Your Word to believe for this situation." Frequently the Holy Spirit brings a verse to mind that exactly speaks the language of my heart. As I think on the verse, it is as though my faith has found a resting place. 

Later, when I recall the need for which I've prayed, I can also recall the promise I'm trusting God to fulfill. Giving thanks for the fulfillment of His Word strengthens my ability to continue believing. We're told to take "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions" (Ephesians 6:17, 18). The implication is that we are to take the Word of God with us when we expect to pray in the Spirit. Here are some of the scriptures I've turned into prayer:

Help her to be joyful always; pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:15-18).

Help him to never tire of doing what is right (2 Thess. 3:13).

May he experience the love of Christ, though it is so great he will never fully understand it (Eph. 3:19).

Help her not to rely on herself but on God (2 Cor. 1:9).

Equip her with everything good for doing Your will and work in her what is pleasing to you (Heb. 13:21).

Fill her with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9).

Direct his heart into God's love and Christ's perseverance (2 Thess. 3:5).

I pray that he may prosper in all things and be in health, just as her soul prospers (3 John 1:2).

Thank You, Jesus, for teaching me that the more I use scripture in prayer, the more my faith will grow. 

"Faith comes from listening to this message of good news--the Good News about Christ" (Romans 10:17 NLT).