Praying the Word of God, September 29
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Karen Wonders
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7 ESV).
Have you ever felt like you couldn’t pray because you didn’t know what to say? Maybe a situation was so difficult that you felt too numb to pray. Maybe you didn’t know which direction God was moving you, and words escaped you. Perhaps you felt that God wasn’t really listening to your prayers.
Let me encourage you that when those times come, pray the Word of God. Take scripture and pray it right back to Him! For instance, praying Job 38 back to God will give you a correct view of who God is: “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth! You determined its measurements! You stretched the line upon it and laid its cornerstone! You shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb. You told the sea it can only come so far, and no farther. You caused the dawn to know its place. You have entered the storehouses of snow and hail. You know the ordinances of the heavens and establish their rule on earth!” (Job 38:4-24, selected verses paraphrased)
Praying Psalm 139 back to God will give you a correct view of how He sees you: “Lord, you have searched me. You know me. You know everything about me—when I sit and when I rise. You know my thoughts. You know the words I will say even before I say them. Your hand is upon me. You will never leave me. You formed me. You think I am wonderfully made! My days were written in your book before I came to be. Lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139, selected verses paraphrased)
You see—there is power in God’s Word! Therefore, I encourage you to pray the Word of God over your troubles. Scripture-based prayers will reveal to you His will. Praying God’s Word will challenge you to avoid anxious thoughts and will develop in you an attitude of gratitude, as you bring Him your concerns in prayer (see Philippians 4:6). You never have to worry if you have the right words to say, because He has already given them to you in Scripture!
Pray: Father God, your Word tells us that if we ask for anything according to Your will, You will hear us (1 John 5:14). Lord, I need You. I come seeking You. I need Your help. Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Word (Psalm 119:18). Let Your Word inspire and shape my mind and my prayer life. Make it come alive as I apply it to my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your Turn: Search God’s Word and find a passage to pray back to God. Write your prayer down!
Karen Y. Wonders, PhD, FACSM, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, and Professor/Program Director of Exercise Physiology at Wright State University. Her passion is to advocate for exercise as part of the national standard of care for cancer. Her non-profit organization provides free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors every month (www.mapletreecanceralliance.org). Dr. Wonders and her husband have 7 children—aged 16 and younger. If you think her hands are full, you should see her heart!
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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