Part 2 in the series – Praying Scripture Over the Grandchildren
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading many women’s Bible studies. Many times, I’d print out a Psalm or other portion of scripture and share with the ladies how to pray through each verse – sometimes word-by-word; sometimes phrase-by-phrase – as we interceded for the needs of our church, our community, and for our own individual prayer needs.
Sometimes the portion of scripture I chose addressed a sin to forsake, an error to avoid, a promise to believe, a command to obey or an action needed. Other times, the selected verses led us into precious times of thanksgiving, worship and praise. I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to help lead the women into deeper, closer communion with God and a greater understanding of His power in prayer.
Yet at times, I sensed hesitation – almost resistance – to praying through the Word which I found puzzling. Upon further investigation, I discovered several reasons for such a response.
For some, the idea of learning to pray in a different way was awkward and strange. “Why can’t I just say to God whatever I want, however I want, like I’ve always done? After all, He knows my heart.”
For some, it was a fear of not doing it right. “I just want to pray. But I’m not a theologian or pastor. I don’t know the Bible very well. How would I know which verses to use?”
For others, it was simply a stubborn opposition to anything new. “My prayer life is my prayer life. This is the way I’ve always prayed and God has always answered my prayers. So I don’t see a need to change now.”
On one hand, it is absolutely true. Unlike other religious dictates, our Heavenly Father does not demand we adhere to any rigid format or formula as we approach Him – any more than a loving earthly father requires formal, structured conversations with his beloved kids. As children of God, we have the glorious freedom to come to our “Abba Father” – without any rehearsed speeches or dialogues and without any fear of “doing it wrong” – and enjoy intimate communion with our heavenly “Daddy.”
On the other hand, what if God wanted to do a new work of revival in our hearts? What if God wanted to take us deeper into His Word than we’d ever been before? What if He longed for a more intimate relationship with us than we had ever experienced before? Would that change the way we approached the concept of praying through His Word? Well the exciting, fantastic news is – this is exactly what God wants to do!
So, I’d like to suggest that we put aside any and all excuses that may be rattling about somewhere in our minds and hearts, and take a closer look at why the Bible forms such a trustworthy foundation for prayer. And in the process, ask God to open our eyes to the wonders He has for us as we consider praying through His Word.
Through Scripture, God Speaks First — We Respond in Prayer
It’s been said, “The Bible is God initiating conversation with His people. Prayer is our response.” When we pray scripture, we’re responding to what God has already said. This turns prayer into a two-way relationship – a two-way conversation – not just a wish list.
In His book, With Christ in the School of Prayer,[1]Andrew Murray emphasizes that prayer and the Scriptures are inextricably linked: without prayer, even the Word loses much of its power, and without the Word, prayer risks becoming empty and superficial.
“God speaks to us through His Word; we speak to Him through prayer. The two cannot be separated without loss to both.” – Andrew Murray[2]
Praying Scripture Grounds Us in Truth, Not Emotion
Prayer guided by scripture keeps us from drifting into self-centered or shallow requests. In addition, and most importantly, it guards us from praying outside of God’s will (See James 4:3) and it helps align our desires with His.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
The Bible Teaches Us How to Pray
The Bible records the prayers of hundreds of real people who, over the course of human history, faced every imaginable trial and struggle known to man. On virtually every page of Scripture we can read the prayers of patriarchs, prophets, priests, and kings; prayers of Jesus Christ and His disciples; prayers of ordinary wives and mothers; ordinary husbands and fathers, and so many others. And through their prayers we learn:
- How to praise (Psalm 103)
- How to lament (Psalm 13)
- How to intercede (Daniel 9)
- How to surrender our will (Matthew 6:10 – “Your will be done”)
- How to discern good from evil (I Kings 3:9)
When we don’t know what to say, the Bible gives us the words.
Praying Scripture Anchors Our Prayers in God’s Promises
The Bible is filled with promises we can claim in prayer – promises for wisdom, understanding, knowledge, joy, peace, deliverance, guidance, provision, healing, comfort, strength, and so much more. “Every promise in the Bible is a prayer waiting to be prayed.” – Matthew Henry[3]
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty…” (Isaiah 55:11)
Praying Scripture Grounds Our Prayers in God’s Will
The Word of God reveals the will of God. As we pray, it is so easy to get sidetracked by our own selfish agendas and demand that, “Our will be done.” But by systematically reading and praying through the full counsel of God’s word – cover to cover; Genesis through Revelation – our hearts become aligned with His will in every area of life.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)
Praying Scripture Builds Our Faith
Praying the Word nourishes our faith because it reminds us of who God is and what He’s already done. (See Hebrews 11.)
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Praying God’s Word Helps Us Pray with Greater Spiritual Authority
Jesus Himself resisted the Devil by praying scripture. When tempted by the Devil in the wilderness, Christ replied, “It is written…” And since this event is recorded in three of the gospel, it seems obvious God wanted His people to pay special attention to and follow Christ’s example. When we pray the Word, we pray with the authority of God Himself.
Ephesians 6:17 calls the Word of God the “Sword of the Spirit.” It is our offensive weapon in spiritual battle.
As we’ve seen, the Bible is a powerful foundation for prayer because it ensures we are speaking God’s heart back to Him. It deepens our relationship with Him, aligns us with His will, builds our faith, and gives our prayers clarity, depth, and greater spiritual authority.
In short, when it comes to interceding for the next generation, nothing is more important or more effective than praying through the Word of God. And I don’t know about you, but as I look around the world these days, I want to make sure I’m using all the resources God has given as I pray for my grandchildren.
[1] “With Christ and the School of Prayer”, by Andrew Murray, emphasizes these sentiments.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Paraphrase of Matthew Henry’s teaching. No exact citation found.
I hope this post speaks to your heart about why praying Scripture is a powerful foundation for prayer. If so, I invite you to join me for Part 3 in this series entitled, “From Study to Supplication: How Inductive Bible Study Can Deepen Prayer.”
📬 I would love to share with you Scripture-based prayers, along with updates on new blog posts, books and free downloads. If this would be a blessing, please Subscribe to my Newsletter. I promise to honor your privacy. And as my gift for subscribing, I will send you my free booklet entitled, “Praying Through Psalm 119:33-35.“ This booklet will show you how easy it is to use the Word of God to transform your prayer life. I hope it blesses you.
Thank you for spending these few minutes with me. Until next time, may God’s grace and peace be yours this day and always.
© 2025 Donna Farris. All rights reserved.