So I just couldn't avoid the alliteration. Praying is something we could all use more of and my goal for 2014 is to pray more scripture over my house, child, spouse, and life. So I am sharing my first few prayers for the year which are from 1 Peter 1. I love reading about the disciple Pete. He went from being the knuckle-head fisherman following Jesus—to the missionary who preached at the Day of Pentecost proclaiming Jesus as Messiah with such boldness and passion that the mocking crowd changed their hearts, asking "what should we do?" When Peter instructed them to repent and be baptized, 3000 people were added to "their number." I say their number (which is how Luke recorded it in Acts 2) because they weren't a "church", movement, religion, or even Christians yet. They were still just a group of Disciples. So let that sink in, from knuckle-head fisherman to church planter (literally planting The Church not just a church) in a few years. I think there might be some weight in what the Holy Spirit wrote through him in his first recorded letter, 1 Peter.
So here goes three things we can pray from 1 Peter.
Protection: [from 1 Peter 1:3-5]
Praise You God! Thank You for Your mercy and living hope that draws ______ to You. Through their faith and Your power, God shield and keep careful watch over. ______.
Perspective: [from 1 Peter 1:6-7]
Even through their trials and suffering, God allow ___________ to rejoice greatly knowing these are required to produce genuine faith of great worth! Let their faith be proven and cause much praise, glory, and honor.
Promise: [from 1 Peter 1:8]
By faith (without seeing You) let ________ love You! Let them believe in You and filled with inexpressible and glorious joy for their salvation. Lord let their faith lead them to salvation in You!
Definitely what I want for my son: salvation, eternal perspective, and protection from Satan's schemes. Will you pray these with me in your homes this week?
I am not here to debate the logics of praying scriptures, whether we should or shouldn't, if the version matters, if you have to quote the Bible verbatim (kinda hard if you don't speak Greek or Hebrew anyways), etc. I am in no way qualified or interested. But I believe praying scriptures answers the questions 1) what should I pray and 2) am I praying according to God will. I also believe praying God's Word from our heart and mouth draws our spirit closer to God and teaches us more about the character of God as we proclaim His promises in the lives around us.
Jamie