Praying the Word: When Gratitude Doesn’t Come Easily
On the surface, prayer seems simple. It’s talking to God. But in practice, we may have a lot of questions. Am I doing this right? Is there a “right” way to do it? What am I supposed to say? Are there things I shouldn’t pray about? Or maybe we feel pretty comfortable with praying, but we struggle with getting bored or losing focus.
Whatever our struggles with prayer, Scripture can be helpful. As Donald Whitney explains, “Praying the Bible isn’t complicated. Read through a few verses of Scripture, pause at the end of each phrase or verse, and pray about what the words suggest to you.” (You can read more from Donald Whitney about how to pray Scripture, in this article.)
In the Praying the Word series, we’ll take the idea of praying Scripture and make it practical by sharing a passage of Scripture, an example prayer, and some guided questions to help you make it your own. The example prayer might serve as a model, or you can use it as a prayer for yourself. As you give this a try, don’t worry if it feels awkward or you’re not sure what to say. Remember, the power of prayer doesn’t come from the words we say, but from the One who hears them.
Example Scripture
Romans 5:1-5
[1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
[3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
[4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
[5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Lord, my life has been heavy and hard lately. It’s tough to see your blessings in the midst of my concerns, griefs, and responsibilities. But when it feels like I have nothing in life to be thankful for, I want to go back to the basics. You have given me saving faith, by which I am forever justified. My sin deserves the never-ending sorrow of judgment and separation from you, but instead, you have sent me a rescuer—Jesus Christ. Soul-nourishing rest and relationship with you are now possible, not only in the life to come, but also right here, today. Thank you for the gift of eternal peace.
God, you not only give me undeserved salvation, but also the grace to stand in the storms of life and keep walking forward in faith. On my own, I would fall under the weight of difficult circumstances, but in Christ, I hold fast to the promise that you are working all things for my good and your glory. When I’m weary of this world, when more seems to be lost than gained some days...I am grateful to receive all the help and provision necessary for me from your Word and your presence. Thank you for the gift of stabilizing grace.
I struggle to see the point of my trials sometimes, Father. Why this suffering? Why the hard way home? But this passage reminds me of the beautiful purpose behind it all...endurance in faith. Like an athlete withstanding rigorous training or a doctor attacking a disease, you break to build up. My sorrow will be for my strengthening, and in that, I can rejoice. You sovereignly bring today’s circumstances and you enable me to persevere through them, by your Spirit. My pain is never wasted. I’m not forgotten or alone as I submit to your work of refinement. Thank you for the gift of joyful endurance.
I confess that, too often, I want my own comfort more than conformity to Christ. Help me to see that, as I trust you in hardship and persevere joyfully under trial, I identify with the one who endured the cross for me. I grow in resembling Christ’s obedience, his holiness. I can walk by faith that today’s tough things are helping me image the beauty of my suffering Savior. Thank you for the gift of Christlike character.
Lord, this life is not my final destination. What a comfort and hope to cling to! Those who trust in you for salvation, who believe in your ability to bring good from every bad thing encountered in this life, will never be put to shame. I can bank on you in full faith that you will deliver me safe to glory one day, whole and healed. And while I wait expectantly for that future, your Spirit faithfully reminds me of your love, assuring, convicting, and transforming my heart day by day. I know you will redeem my brokenness and give me an eternity of perfect pleasure and ceaseless comforts by your side in heaven. Thank you for the gift of confident hope.
Make it Your Own
Praise God: What things in this Scripture passage give you reasons to praise God and thank him for who he is and what he’s doing? Give him both general and specific thanksgiving and come into his presence rejoicing.
Confess: What things do you need to tell God about how your heart or actions might veer (intentionally or unintentionally) toward self-reliance or even disobedience? Where have you trusted in your own wisdom or resisted his presence, commands, and care?
Share Your Heart: What things do you need to tell the Lord from a place of concern and humility? What questions linger, what worries do you harbor, and what do you need to hand over to him?
Ask: Where do you need wisdom? What help and grace do you need? Let the Lord know where you are weak and what specific things you need, letting him have the final and perfect say in how those needs are met and prayers are answered.
