Praying the Word is such a simple, but effective way to pray and it is often the way that the heavens will open up and pour out the blessings from the Lord. The Word is powerful but when we take the time to speak and write out our prayers using the Lord’s Word, this makes it even more powerful.
Most of my life, I have suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and at one time, agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is defined as “irrational fear of public or open spaces.” I functioned basically fairly well, as long as I was in my comfort zone, but if I went too far out of the area I was comfortable being in, then the anxiety would take over. Needless to say, I have had to learn the hard way at how to cope in times of anxious thoughts, fears or especially traveling and one way I have learned to do this is by writing out my prayers using God’s Word.
Four years ago, I became totally homebound due to the agoraphobia, and I so desperately wanted freedom from this, I began writing out my prayers in a notebook. I would take a scripture and insert my name to personalize that scripture to fit my situation. The notebook was small enough that I could tuck it into my purse or a book bag, and it went everywhere with me. Even today, 4 years later, I still have a notebook that goes with me everywhere.
I will give you a few examples of what I mean:
Let’s look at the scripture of 2 Timothy 1:7. This scripture was and is one of my favorites because it talks about fear.
The scripture says: For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
When I personalize it I would write it out as: For God has not given Angie a spirit of fear, but God has given Angie power, love and has given Angie a sound mind.
By inserting your name in specific scriptures, the Word of God becomes YOURS... You are in the Word.
I also like to write out scriptures using different translations to make them come to life more easily for me. I love the Message translation because it is so easy to understand. I would take that same scripture in 2 Timothy 1:7 and write it out from that translation as well.
By comparing different translations, you are able to see how the wording may change how you see God speaking through that verse. I may have read the same verse in my normal, everyday Bible thousands of times, but then when I read it in another version, the words just jump off the page.
I believe that God has given us the Word to speak to our hearts but I also believe at times, our minds are the place the Word needs to sink into and the place that needs the most changing. I know personally in my own life that has been true. My mind is what gets me in trouble. My mind is the place where I struggle the most with damaging thoughts about myself or life in general. Take the Word of God and make it your own.
Here are some more examples:
1 Kings 5:4: Lord, I am seeking rest on every side and freedom from adversary and every evil occurrence. Lord, You are more than able to allow me to find rest and freedom and that is what I am asking from You today
Psalm 56:13: For You Lord, have delivered Angie from death, Yes, and Angie’s feet from falling, that Angie may walk before God in the light of life and of the living. Lord, You are my rock and my fortress, according to the Word in Psalm 18:2.
Psalm 138: 2-3: Lord, today I am crying out to You and I know You will answer me. You have allowed me to find strength in You and Your plan. Continue to help me to remember Your plan is for good and not evil according to the Word in Jeremiah 29:11.
Psalm 107:13: Angie is crying out to You Lord in her trouble, and I know You are more than capable of saving me out of my distresses, because I know You have brought me out of darkness and the shadow of death and broken the chains holding me into pieces.
This is a scripture I have read many times, but only in the last month has it taken on a new meaning for me.
Isaiah 44:20 Living Bible: Angie, the poor deluded fool feeds on ashes; Angie is trusting what can never give her any help at all. Yet Angie cannot bring herself to ask “ Is this thing, this idol that Angie is holding in my hand, a lie?” I took this scripture and personalized it and wrote it in my notebook, as well as on index cards to remind me that my fear is an idol that has separated me from receiving all God has for me. If I continue to hold onto this (fear) then I will continue to have ashes.
I hope I have helped you in some way today about writing out your prayers with scriptures. Take the time to personalize your needs because no matter what we are facing, the Word of God provides the answer.
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Angie has been married to her high school sweetheart, Mike since they were 16 and 18 years old. They are the parents to 2 grown sons and 3 grandchildren. Angie writes about her struggles with fear and agoraphobia on her website as well as finding healing after many suicides and a murder in her family. God is faithful to provide and healing is possible, even when we must take small steps.
Visit Angie's website: www.joyfuljourneynewsletter.com
Angie, your idea for writing out personalized prayers is wonderful. I like the Amplified Bible (because I'm so "wordy..." ha!), but I refer to other versions to compare, too. God uses whatever it takes to get our attention! I also liked your thoughts on overcoming the "mind." Very nice guest post!
Posted by: Kimby | Tuesday, October 09, 2012 at 08:04 AM
Angie,
This is such a great post, packed with biblical truth.
Thank you for sharing your testimony and the delivering power of His Word!
I think I'll remember that notebook next time.
Ginger
Posted by: Ginger | Friday, October 05, 2012 at 10:49 AM