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Praying God's Word
"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the
Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13
As God's representatives, it is our job to represent Him
in the affairs of this world. To do that, we need to know
what He wants, and have confidence that God will back us
up as His legitimate ambassadors.
What God Wants
That's where God's Word comes in. Through it, we can know
what God wants. "It's God will that none should perish..."
This gives us confidence in praying for those who do not
yet know Him. As we remind God of His heart for the lost,
and apply this scripture to a specific person, it gives us
a solid place to stand. It strengthens our faith, that God
will listen to our prayer and answer us, because its the
very thing that He already desires to do.
On God's Side
Praying God's Word puts us clearly on God's side, and
gives us the courage we need to stand against the Devil
and his schemes. Like an eviction notice from a judge, it
gives us something of substance to press in upon the
claims of the enemy. "To execute on them the judgment
written; This is an honor for all His godly ones. Praise
the LORD!" Psalm 148:9 The Devil might be able to bluff us
into submission, but he cannot stand against God's Word.
(see Matthew 3:1-11)
With Great Boldness
God's Word tells us that we can come boldly before His
throne of grace. When we come with His word in our hand,
we can require justice for the poor, healing for the sick,
judgment for the wicked, and salvation for the lost.
Whatever He has declared in His Word as a promise or as
His desire, becomes for us the bold words of a child
reminding his father of the promise he has made. "And now,
O. God of Israel, let your word that you promised your
servant David my father come true," 1Kings 8:26.
It allows us to move beyond mere requesting. Just as a
child might seem impertinent in demanding his father keep
his promise, we can come to our heavenly Father with His
own Word and require Him to honor it. This boldness is not
irreverence, but an expression of our confidence in God's
character. Moses, Abraham, Job, and Jacob, are examples of
men who have reasoned and even argued with God, because
they new His heart and believed in His character. "Come
now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD..." Isaiah
1:18
Applying the Word
God's written Word gives us a general understanding of
what He wants, but we need specific guidance to apply His
Word effectively. As you begin to pray the scriptures over
a certain need, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you, and look
for Him to highlight one or more scriptures that you can
focus on. As God quickens a particular scripture to you,
use it as the weapon of choice for this battle. Grab hold
of it and let your faith soar until there is no doubt in
your heart. Cling to it, and proclaim it again and again,
like a hammer hitting a small crack in a huge rock, until
at last the rock splits. "But you, dear friends, build
yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy
Spirit." Jude 1:20
End Result
Some needs must be hammered at in prayer for a long time.
Some bust open with the first or second blow. You will
know in your spirit when the job is done. This victory in
the spiritual realm often comes before we see the reality
in this physical realm. Don't trust what you see, trust
what God says, and what His Spirit shows you.
Once you have "prayed through" to victory, then worship
and thank God for the answer. Don't slip into unbelief
just because you haven't seen the results yet. Results
will come, if you stand in faith. Remember, God spoke the
universe into existence, there is nothing more real, or
more powerful than His Word. "I will bow down towards your
holy temple and will praise your name ... for you have
exalted above all things your name and your word." Psalm
138:2

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