Prayer Week 7: The Word of God

What is the Bible to you? Is it a book of good teaching? Maybe an old manuscript or ancient document? Do you see it as holy and sacred? The way that we view the Bible directly and drastically affects the way that we treat it, physically and instructionally. If we view it as merely an ancient text, it will have little sway on our lives, but if we see it as the very Words of God, it will (and should) influence us more than anything else in the world.

 

John 1:1-3 New American Standard Bible 1995

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Psalm 78:1 New American Standard Bible 1995

Listen, O my people, to my instruction;
Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

Matthew 4:4 New American Standard Bible 1995

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

Hebrews 4:12 New American Standard Bible 1995

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New American Standard Bible 1995

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

 

Scripture is the very Word of God, spoken by Him through the Prophets and apostles. It is holy, sacred and powerful. It is life to us, and all we need for this life. It should have greater value and authority than any other truth or teaching because it carries the attributes of God Himself. It is completely true, just, loving and trustworthy.

 

It should also be part of our daily life, something we pursue and partake of every day just like food. In the same way that we eat every day, usually several times a day, we should “eat” the Word of God every day. Only feeding ourselves spiritually at church on Sunday is the same as eating at a huge buffet one day per week, and then not eating for the rest of the week until we get back to the buffet. It is not healthy or wise. We need to feed ourselves regularly, rather than expecting others to always feed us.

 

It should also be part of our prayer life. There is nothing more powerful than praying scripture. As you read and pray this week, visualize the words being spoken from God’s mouth. Picture Him saying them to you. Take the first part (word, phrase or thought) that gets your attention and pause there, let God speak to you through it. Let that guide your prayers.

Prayer points taken from Praying Through Adversity by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.