“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
Praying is one of the greatest gifts God has given His children—an invitation to divine conversation with the Creator of the universe. But the experience is magnified when we pray God’s Word because we are speaking back to God the very truth He has spoken to us. We are aligning our thoughts about how to pray—with His thoughts.
But wait—there’s more!
Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” When we pray the Word, we are not simply reciting verses—we are taking the power of Christ into our mind through our eyes, processing it, and then it comes out through our words. It changes us. It draws us into rich communion with Christ Himself. It is not only a divine conversation with the Father, but also participation in the power and presence of His Son.
Wow—right?
As born again believers, when our deepest desire is to bring glory to God, then praying His Word gives us His perspective—enabling us to know His purpose. The Bible calls us to surrender our plans, talents, and time to God’s purposes, trusting Him to use us as vessels for His glory.
We’ve talked much about the many aspects of prayer….but I like to have reminders, don’t you? Just as a diamond has many sides that catch the light, prayer has many dimensions—and each serves a purpose. For example:
Thanksgiving: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Gratitude reminds us of God’s faithfulness and guards our hearts against complaint and doubt. Prayers of thanksgiving anchor us in joy.
Praise: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4) Prayers of praise shifts our focus from problems to the power and majesty of God.
Confession: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) Confession restores intimacy with God. It humbles us to recognize our need for His mercy and reminds us that the grace we receive must also flow through us to others. It’s not self-condemnation; rather, it’s spiritual cleansing that clears the channel of prayer.
Supplication (Petition): “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) This is humbling ourselves to bring each need, desire, and burden to the Lord, trusting His perfect wisdom.
Intercession: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1) Intercession is love in action—standing before God on behalf of others. It’s one of the highest forms of service and the most powerful tools we have for ALL Kingdom-work!
Dedication to surrender: “Not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) True prayer is all about surrender. We release control and yield to God’s plan, and, thus, find perfect peace in His will.
Listening and meditation: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Prayer is not only speaking—it’s listening. When we quiet our hearts, the Spirit guides our steps.
Summary: Surrender
When we pray Scripture, we are not informing God—we are allowing Him to transform our thinking, desires, and actions. Two powerful Scriptures that guide prayerful surrender are:
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) This prayer positions our heart beneath God’s authority. Praying this verse daily reminds us that God has a plan that is greater than our imagination.
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-17 is one of my favorite. It asks that we be “strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,” so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, and that we may grasp His vast love. It’s a prayer that invites God’s power and love to reshape our thinking and desires until His fullness fills every area of our outer life.
Prayer is the unseen engine of every eternal work.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer and the power of Your Word. Teach me to pray with thanksgiving, praise, confession, supplication, intercession, surrender, and to listen. As I pray Your Word, strengthen me through the power of Your presence. May Your truth dwell richly in me, shaping my thoughts, desires, and actions. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to love You more deeply, serve others more selflessly, and live daily for Your glory. May every thought and word bring You honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
