My phone rang as I was driving to the grocery. I could see it was a friend who rarely calls. I knew something was up so I answered. (Glad my car is equipped for hands free.) She poured out a tough new reality in her life. As I wheeled into a parking space I said, “would you like me to pray with you, right now?” She said ” yes.” On that day, I had words that the Spirit poured into my heart and out of my mouth to walk alongside my friend, but sometimes, that hurt is deep and the words don’t come and I need something powerful. That’s an occasion where having powerful scriptures stored up in my heart can be really handy!
Do you have those times when your heart wants to pray, but your words just seem inadequate? I sure do! The scriptures tell us when we can’t pray, the Spirit will pray for us with groaning that are deeper than words (Roman 8:26). But sometimes we need words! Saying something out loud makes it more real, more powerful. Maybe we need to encourage a friend and they are counting on us to pray for them as encouragement.
This year, I chose trust as a focus word. An area where I want to grow, and so, I have a couple of trust verses I’m storing in my heart for the times I need them. I’m guessing everyone could use a bit more trust at times so I hope you will benefit from these verses.
Week 1
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8 (NLT)
Week 2
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalm 143:10 (NLT)
And then, there are those times when I need to say I’m sorry! I’ve messed up. I’ve gotten off track and I know deep down I need correction from the Lord. But that’s a tough one, Correction is not something I relish asking God to provide. But here’s a verse that asks for correction. I still need to own my wrong, but I can use words Jeremiah penned to voice my request to God. What about you? Is this a verse you could use in your arsenal?
Week 3
I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die. Jeremiah 10:23-24 (NLT)
Maybe it’s not you who messed up, or perhaps you are caught up in a bigger problem. I often feel overwhelmed by the mess our world has gotten into and just want to tell God that I know it’s bad, but understand he’s bigger than the mess. Here’s a verse my heart tells me speaks to these situations. No matter how discouraged we may be feeling with the circumstances swirling around us, God is bigger. He has a history of cleaning up the messes mankind creates, and even though he’s likely even more hurt by it than we are, still, he is merciful!
Week 4
I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 (NLT)
Memorization Tips
As you commit the verses to memory, actually pray them. If you keep a prayer journal, write the verses into your journal to remind you to pray them regularly. Don’t just recite the words as you pray, but feel them! Be sincere as you ask God to work in the situations where these verse prayers are appropriate.
I’m electing not to include an image this week. If you miss the verse images please drop me a note or leave a comment to let me know!
Link to printable verses for May.
I’m praying these verses for all of us this month. I hope you will join me in praying them as well. God tells us that his word is powerful and effective. I believe that! I hope you do too.
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