Perhaps you have heard the phrases "Pray with the Scriptures" or "Praying the Scriptures over a situation." But how do we do that? We know that the Word of God is alive and active (Heb. 4:12) and that it goes forth from the mouth of God and does not return void, but accomplishes what it was sent to do; (Is. 56:11) and that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. (Jos. 21:45)
Many of you have heard the story of how St. Augustine would ask God at the end of his prayers to change anything he said so that it was in line with His will. As we use the Scriptures to teach us the thoughts and the desires of God's heart and we seek to develop an interior listening ear, we will learn how to pray according to the mind of God.
It is His kingdom in which we are laborers. It is a humble service we are called into for His sake. As we read in Luke; "...when you have done all that you have been told to do, say, `We are merely servants. We have done no more than our duty.'" (Lk. 17:10) My first response too often is, "But, Lord..." Perhaps many of us are in need of an attitude adjustment as we continue to desire to remain faithful servants. It's a comfort to know that the apostles had these struggles also. (Read any of the synoptic gospels!)
But as I go into the Scriptures and seek that deeper surrender of heart and mind, He fills me with a joy over all that He says, because His presence comes with His Word. He orders all things rightly as I entrust all to Him. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way...Let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and...help." (Heb. 4:15,16) This is a daily walk, a privilege, for which we have been chosen.
I was listening to a sermon a month or so ago that was about the morning offering. For many of us who went to Catholic schools as a child, we prayed a daily morning offering. The Holy Spirit began to speak to me about that for this article. The following is a scriptural morning offering that came from the idea planted by that preacher. From this, I have learned more about praying the Word of God. Let's watch it produce its fruit in our lives and in the lives of others, for whom we pray.
Printed in the April 1995 issue of the "Living Water." Published for the Charismatic Renewal in the Diocese of San Jose, California. Permission to copy is granted, as long as proper credit is given.
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