Topic: Praying God’s Promises [RICK WARREN Devotional 8 March 2021]
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Praying God’s Promises
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
James 1:5 (NLT)Prayer itself is an act of faith.
When you come to God in prayer, it’s because you have faith he will respond. As you focus your attention on God, you begin to see he is bigger and more powerful than any of your problems, and that understanding will increase your faith because you will begin to believe he can fulfill his promises. And then, as you see God answer your prayers, your faith will deepen because you see firsthand that he can do what he says he can do.
As you learn to pray in faith, a great place to start is by claiming the promises of God found in the Bible.
Did you know there are over 7,000 promises in the Bible? These promises provide the answer to all your needs and problems. And, when you’re not sure what to pray, you can use them to help give words to your prayers.
Here’s an example of how you can use one of God’s promises as a prayer that will build your faith.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak” (GNT). To use this promise of God as a prayer, you might pray, “God, I’m so tired and discouraged. I feel like giving up. Yet, in faith, I know that you will renew my strength. You will lift me up and give me new energy, so I can keep going. My hope is in you. Thank you for helping me move forward and keep going. Amen.
Prayers like this help increase your faith. They remind you of what God has promised; then you see in your own life how God keeps his promises.
Here’s a list of just a few of God’s promises in the Bible. Try praying some of them, and watch your faith increase as you see God keep his promises to you.
- “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29 ESV).
- “Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 GW).
- “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:4 NIV).
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ESV).
- “It is the Lord who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8 AMP).
- “But my God shall supply your every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 MEV).
- “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NASB).
- “You willingly forgive, and your love is always there for those who pray to you” (Psalm 86:5 CEV).
As you get used to praying God’s promises, it can be helpful to write your prayers. Choose one of the promises from today’s devotional and write a prayer to God. Talk to him about his promise. Tell him that you are trusting in him to fulfill his promise.
Here’s an example:
God’s Promise
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5 NLT).
Sample Prayer
“Father, there are so many times I forget to ask for what I truly need, and wisdom is on top of the list. I’m so grateful for this Scripture and the promise it holds. Thank you for being so generous and willing to give me the wisdom I need in my everyday circumstances. God, I want to live by the promises and principles in your Word—not by the world’s standards. Teach me to boldly ask for wisdom daily so I can navigate life according to your will and for your glory. I ask this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.”