Many years ago, someone taught me to use the Bible in my personal prayer time—quoting passages of Scripture to God. They explained that many of our prayers are self-centered and self-serving, but using the Bible turns our attention toward God’s plan.
That made sense to me. For a long time, I had spent most of my prayers asking God for what I wanted, even when I prayed for others. I was missing what God said He wanted, as revealed in the Scriptures. I discovered that using the Bible this way reminded me of what God wants me to do and to be. It helped invigorate my prayer life by challenging me to examine my life and actions in light of God’s word.
As I prayed, I began thinking about what to ask God that He would want me to have. Among other things, I realized that He wants me to keep growing as a follower of Christ. So, I prayed that He would help me develop stronger faith, hope, and love, but especially love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) As I prayed for each of those qualities, I thought about what they really meant and how I could develop them in my life. Then, as I read my Bible over the next few weeks, I noticed what other passages in the Bible said about these matters.
While on a business trip one time, I decided to memorize some key passages about spiritual growth. I worked on them as time allowed over the next few days, especially while flying. Soon, I could easily quote them from memory. Then, I began to include them in my prayer time. One of my favorites passages that I now use is …make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8) Another favorite passage is But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
Now, when my private prayers become too mechanical and dry, I ponder the meaning of each of those Biblical qualities that I have asked God to help me develop. One of the things that often happens is that I realize a short-coming, which reminds me that I need to walk more closely with Christ. It humbles me and forces me to depend on God more.
It is amazing how God can use His word to point us in the right direction when we pray. He can teach us how to live by faith, how to develop good relationships, what values are really important in life, and on and on. Slowly, He chips away our rough edges and we begin to look more like Jesus.
Remember, God loves you and so do I.
Phil
Copyright © 2010 Philip Walter
This GOD-BLOG was previously published. For the next few weeks, we will send you GOD-BLOGs that have been previously distributed, because we are trying to give Phil some extra time to meet a publishing deadline for his new book. Please be assured that each of the “oldies” will be revised and updated before you receive it. After Phil finishes the manuscript for the new book, we will resume sending you fresh GOD-BLOGs. We hope these devotionals will speak to your heart as effectively as the new ones do.
FYI: The GOD-BLOG is a free, short weekly devotional based on a Bible truth with a contemporary application. Its purpose is to give you a little spiritual boost from one Sunday to the next. It is written by Philip Walter, Minister at New Horizons Christian Church in Winter Garden, Florida. Additionally, Mr. Walter is a writer and veteran law enforcement chaplain.