Have you ever prayed using God’s word to guide your requests, your praise, or to claim His truths for yourself? Praying with Bible verses doesn’t need to be formal, fancy or involved. In fact, in many places in scripture, the Bible gives us the words we can pray. You can begin praying with God’s word by simply reciting passages, phrases, or one verse as you pray.
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18
What this has meant for my own prayer life:
Also, just to clarify, I’m no perfect prayer-pro. No way! But I have learned that when I include God’s word in my prayers it helps me memorize and recall Bible verses, learn fresh meaning, and deepen my connection with God. My prayers are enriched when I use actual words from the Bible! Plus, sometimes, praying with God’s word literally helps me know what to say when I don’t know what to pray.
Why I just had to make this free download:
Recently, my husband’s mom has been fighting cancer. She asked if I could make two cards for her to keep at the breakfast table, where she’s been praying every morning. On the cards she wanted two key verses that she’s been holding closely throughout her treatment. Having the prayer cards handy at the table, without having to open her Bible each time (or risk getting breakfast on the thin Bible pages!), would be an intentional way to continue claiming God’s truth over her each day.
It had been a while since I had intentionally prayed using God’s word myself, and as I created these cards for my mother in-law, I felt led to turn it into a bigger project. So, in case you’re like me, or like my husband’s brave, faith-filled mother, and you want to deepen your prayer with words or passages from the Bible, I’ve just released a 4 page download, including printable prayer cards. Now you can print your own Scripture Prayer Cards at home! And, if you’ve never prayed using scripture, in this free download you’ll find samples, starter verses, and tips from my experience with this practice in my own prayer life.
Praying with God’s word on your own:
Prayers should always be personal; let your heart sense the Spirit’s lead as you recite or incorporate scripture into your time talking with God. His word is full of truths, protection, praise, promises, and faithfulness. These printable prayer cards will give you a practical and convenient space to write down, and easily recall, key Bible verses that you want to focus on, better understand, or allow God to speak through.
Click here to download your free printable prayer cards!
Want to learn more about praying the Bible? I learned about the practice of using scripture when I pray from a pastor in a small group Bible study. To understand it better, read this article, from renowned pastor and Bible teacher, John Piper, founder of DesiringGod.org.
You can also order pre–printed sets of prayer cards through my Etsy shop! They are beautifully printed, double-sided, on heavy card stock, perfect for keeping wherever you need to see them when you pray or go through your day. Share these prayer card sets with your Bible study or friends of faith, or keep a stack in your Bible to record when you find a verse that you will deepen your prayers in this season.
Having Bible verses, in my own handwriting, ready when I need them most, has been a lifeline through some of the hardest times in my story. May you find God’s comfort, presence, and faithfulness as you include His own words into your prayers.