(Question 3 in a series on prayer)
Have you ever felt your devotional life start to become dry or uninspiring? Daily routine in devotional life to which we become too accustomed can lead to sleepy yawns and ho-hums. When that happens to me I start to feel guilty and angry with myself. After all, this is my quiet time with God! It should be the most exciting, meaningful, impacting time of my day!
If we start to feel a bit bored with our times of Bible reading and prayer–I hate to admit it, but that does happen to me sometimes–we can put excitement and joy back into our quiet times by praying the Scriptures we are reading. Here are three strategies I have used to put inspiration and power back into the times I have set aside to meet God “in the garden of prayer.”
SOAP
As a missionary, I had cohorts in the Philippines (TOPIC Philippines) who encouraged pastors to use SOAP in their times with God. Journaling is a helpful way to focus prayer and meditation. I have found this outline to journaling particularly helpful in targeting the meaning and application of Scripture as I journal.
S–Scripture. Prayerfully read the Bible passage, writing down key phrases and verses. Allow them to sink in as you write.
O–Observation. Observe the context, characters, the intent of the author. Think about the who, what, why, when, and where of the text. Ask God to help you understand the message and meaning of the passage.
A–Application. Write down what God is saying to you. How does this passage apply to your life? What is encouraging, inspiring? Are there commands to keep? Are there promises to claim?
P–Prayer. Pray over the passage, applying it to your particular situation and needs. Ask God to bring to pass the application the Spirit led you to write down. Follow God’s lead as you sense if there are others to pray for who may be blessed by this passage.
I recently was reading 1 Thessalonans. I discovered a personal journal entry I had some years ago when I applied SOAP to 5:16-24. Click here to read this journaling as an example (lightly edited) of praying Scripture in one’s devotional life.
Simply say it
That is, simply pray it. As we read the Scripture we can pray it in first person back to God, pausing at times to meditate on it’s meaning and how God may want us to apply it. I find that this is a tremendous elixir for the soul and spirit. It can be a powerful faith-builder when I have begun to lose focus and perspective.
I recently began praying through Ephesians. Click here for an audio example of praying through Ephesians 1:2-14 as I began praying through Ephesians.
Scripture prayer guide
There are a number of excellent Scripture prayer guides that are available that are very helpful. Here are three recommendations I like that are freely available online. Maybe you have a recommendation? Please contribute to the comments below!
Morning Affirmations, Ken Boa. I often use this resource as high-octane fuel to kick my day into gear. Not only does it have a “Morning Affirmations” section, but other great categories, like “Who does God say I am?”, “Renewal Verses”, “Paul’s Four Life-Changing Prayers”, and more.
Take Words With You: A Manual for Intercession, Desiring God (Compiled by Tim Kerr). A generous 196 pages of Scripture, with a great deal on the promises of God.
prayScripture.org. This web-based prayer tool offers a ton of options. One nice feature is a Daily Prayers section where you can insert your name (someone else) into Bible verses as you pray. The goal is to pray through the whole Bible in this way. A great resource and tool!
Dear Father, by your grace, I pursue your heart, longing to pray in rhythm with your heartbeat. I devote myself to praying in keeping with your Word and your will. Under your guidance, precious Holy Spirit, I commit myself to praying your inspired Word, knowing you intercede for me in keeping with your will as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I pray this in your cherished name, Lord Jesus, Amen. (1 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 6:9-13, Romans 8:26-27, John 14:13, 15:16, 16:23-24)
Please share your thoughts and comments. Do you have a prayer strategy that works for you? What are some of your favorite passages to pray through? Or maybe you could offer a scripture prayer? Thank you for participating in the Pursuing God’s Heart community!