Praying the Scriptures

I hope you are already putting yesterday’s sermon into practice.  I want to challenge you to make praying for the lost a priority in your day-to-day life!
As I was reading my Bible this morning, I came across an incredible statement by the Apostle Paul.  I’m reading through the NLT this year and the words jumped out at me in a new and fresh way, he said,
“9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom[b] and forgave our sins.”

These verses helped me pray this morning for myself, for you, and for others.  Look at the verses again and break it down in a simple outline:

• Fill me (or someone else) with complete knowledge of Your will.
• Give me (or someone else) spiritual wisdom and understanding SO that I can live in a way that honors and pleases You.  SO that I can bear fruit that pleases you.  And SO that I can know you better and better.
• Strengthen me (or someone else) with all your power so I will have endurance and patience.
• Thank you, Father, for rescuing me from the kingdom of darkness and transferring me into the Kingdom of your dear Son!                                                                                                   When I pray the Scripture, I find that I never have to spend time thinking of what to say next, I tend to stay focused and not daydream, and I find comfort in knowing that I am praying according to His expressed will.

Keep praying,
John