Prayer keeps your mind on Christ and using scripture in your prayers keeps your petitions in accordance to His will.
Turn to scripture
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
God’s word will never become void. We are gaining so much wisdom by studying and meditating on his word. May we continue to focus on these truths and not waiver when the world tries to confuse us.
Where is your mind dwelling
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
If you have ever wondered about God’s plan for your life, here it is: rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. Repeat those words over and over again so they are ingrained in your mind. In times of confusion and hopelessness, may these words come to you and give you peace. Regardless of our earthly situation or successes, these are the things that truly matter. Keep your mind upon Jesus always.
Pray without ceasing
" People should present their requests to God through prayer and petition in every situation, and God's peace will protect their minds and hearts."
Philippians 4:6-7
In the bible we are told that there will be instances where we are to sacrifice our desires for a period of time to focus on prayer, why is that? Is it because our distractions act as a roadblock that keeps us from getting closer to God? It is because we just simply pray more without those distractions? Or is it because we are practicing self-discipline and this pleases God? Maybe it is a combination of things but the simple truth is that God asks this of us, and by being obedient to His teachings, we find blessing.
Pray through scripture
The bible gives the exact words for every situation. Praying specific scriptures over your circumstances is a powerful thing and is often helpful when we just don’t know what to say. Spend time in the word, reading slowly, fully understanding each word. If you are unsure where to start, try reading Psalms and using those words to talk to God. Rather than mindlessly repeating the same prayers to Him, speak His words and pray in accordance with His will.
Scriptures to pray over your different circumstances
- Stressed – Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7, Romans 8:18, Psalm 23:4
- Discouraged – 1 Peter 5:10, Philippians 4:13, Galatians 6:9, Joshua 1:9
- Lonley – Jeremiah 33:3, Romans 8:31-32, Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:38-39
May we continue to study scripture, pray those truths over ourselves, focus on God, and see His will be done in our lives.