Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 065 Praying Scripture Part 3

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast
Episode #065 – Praying Scripture – Part 3

Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective.

Thank you for joining me for Part 3, the final episode in my “Praying Scripture” series. Last week we discussed the importance of prayer, then elevated our desire to pray and communicate with our Heavenly Father to higher ground by using God’s words as the foundation of our prayer life. I pray this series has been helpful for you. I have enjoyed deepening my personal prayer life through this practice as I worked on the content and anticipate continuing my walk with God in this personal and powerful way.

As we discussed last week, praying scripture strengthens our understanding of God’s word and releases His authoritative power into our life. Specifically seeking His word and utilizing it in our prayers is a faithful and trusting act of obedience as we rely on God’s words and truths. In order to pray God’s holy word, we must know it, study it, and claim it. By purposely connecting our heart to God’s and intentionally praying His words, we are beseeching our Heavenly Father to use His will, just as Jesus modeled for us.

Last week we read scripture and prayers for entering into God’s presence, as well as several verses and prayers for family use. This week I want to end the series with verses and prayers crafted for family, spouse, and children. As we live with eternal perspective, our heart must beat in unison with God’s, stirring the hearts of our precious family members to do the same. The verses and prayers we discussed in Parts 1 and 2 of this series help us humbly approach God with reverence and honor.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

As we exalt God to His rightful place in our life, and seek Him with a heart of devotion, we find other areas rightfully shift into order.

If you are married, your spouse should rightfully shift into place after God. Many of the verses we can apply to using for our spouse may also be applied to self or children. As we use these verses and prayers at this time to honor the person we journey through life with, we also bring honor to God.

One of the great cries of my heart is for my husband to continue to draw nearer to God. Praying for our spouse is an honor that God graciously allows us to participate in.

Genesis 2:28 says, “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

As we have already become one with our husband, we must aspire to draw him closer to the Lord with our actions, attitude, words, and intentions. Our knees should be worn from prayers of support lifted for him, yet fixed in faith that God is listening and will create the good works purposed for our spouse.

Matthew 21:22 says, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Gracious Heavenly Father, how great Your love for my husband is. Thank you for blessing me with him. You have given us each other and connected us as one flesh. You say that whatever I ask I shall receive if I have faith. Father, enable my husband to see You more clearly day by day and thirst for You as a deer pants for water. May nothing satisfy His need but You. Cause Him to become more like You so that He is the godly husband and father You desire in every way, fulfilling the purpose You have for him.

As we pray for our husband, we must start with biblical qualities that God would desire him to possess.
Although I will offer sets of verses with prayers today, imagine the obedience and devotion we extend to God and our husband by prayerfully creating a list of attributes specific to what God places on our heart to pray.

Let’s start with a few universal qualities God calls for all husbands to carry through reliance on Him.
1. God-honoring
Colossians 1:16-17 says, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

Heavenly Father, we know that all things were created by You, whether in heaven or earth, visible or invisible. Whether they are thrones or dominions, rulers or authorities, all things were created through and for You, for You alone are before all things. In You, Gracious Father, all things hold together. Who is like You? No one. You are great and above our understanding. Carry my husband, Father. Allow Him to recognize his place under You and serve You with the heart You desire. Enable him to grow in and through You moment by moment as You craft a new heart with a passion for You within him.
Imagine the mighty and holy power we allow God to work in and through our spouse when we regularly lift him to God through prayers fueled by our Father’s words.

2. Humbleness
Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.”

Father God, speak to the heart of my husband. Craft an awareness of You in mighty ways that positions Him under Your authority and stirs a tender love for others that mirrors the compassion You carry. Stir the heart of my husband to live and act in with humility instead of selfish ambition or pride.

3. Integrity
Proverbs 10:9 says, “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.”

Dear God, may my husband securely walk with integrity with no perverted ways so that His heart will shine Your glory and honor.

4. Trustworthy
Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.”

Lord, your word teaches that lying lips are detestable to You. May my husband deal truthfully and faithfully so that He will be Your delight.

5. Faithful
1 Samuel 12:24 says, “Above all, fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.”

Father, equip my husband to fear and serve You faithfully with all His heart. May He prayerfully and thankfully consider all the great works You have done for Him and intentionally deepen His walk with You as He strives to allow the work of Jesus to strengthen and inspire Him to live the purpose You have for Him.

6. Forgiving
Luke 11:4 says, “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.”

Heavenly Father, please forgive the sins of my husband and enable Him to forgive others as You do. Keep him far from temptation so that His eyes are fixed on You and his heart reflects a desire to honor and serve You as You rightfully deserve.

7. Courageous
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Gracious Heavenly Father, please keep my husband from being discouraged. Help him not to be afraid because He is certain that You are with Him wherever he goes and that he is traveling the path that You have set for Him because His focus is so intently set on serving You with a transparent heart of love and devotion.

8. Grateful
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Father, I rejoice that You are always with us. Help my husband to remember to seek You always, rejoice despite circumstances, and pray without ceasing, for he knows that You are God and He strives to please and serve You.

9. Healthy
3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.”

Father, You cherish my husband. Please monitor his health closely. Protect Him and keep Him strong physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Above all, I pray that You enable His spiritual health to prevail and that You will provide Him what He needs to seek You above all else and enable Him to live the purpose You have set for Him.

I hope you enjoy speaking these prayers, as well as studying God’s words tor more verses that will enable you to design additional prayers that honor our Lord and use His promises and truths to deepen your walk with Him and utilize the might and power scripture contains.

Additionally, if you are a mother or grandmother, you have an eternal-focused responsibility to cover your child, whether still in your home or grown, and your grandchild in prayer. Since I didn’t come from a family that talked about Jesus or prayed together, I don’t know whether I had anyone praying for me as I grew up. How I wish I had! What a difference prayer makes!

Let’s focus on scripture we may access for children and grandchildren now so we may continue maturing our habit of intentionally praying God’s word.

What prayers for children would most Christian mothers lift to God?
1. Know Jesus as Savior
John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Gracious, loving Heavenly Father, there is none like You. Thank you for Your patient, holy love that sent Your Son to die for my child, to be the sacrifice for every one of us. We are so unworthy, yet You love us with an everlasting love. May my children know Jesus as Savior and allow Your sovereign hand to guide their life. Help them trust Your word and Your teachings as they allow You to shine from them for the world to witness and draw others near to You.

2. Honor Jesus
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”

Heavenly Father, my desire is for my child to honor You in all they do. Enable me to model that same love and desire for You to make the way clear. No matter what they do in life, may it be for Your glory and may You equip them to stay on the narrow road that keeps them close to You.

3. Know purpose
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Father God, parent my children as only You can. Do not let them be conformed to this world, but transform them by the renewing of Your mind. Give them a mighty wisdom and capacity to test and approve Your good, pleasing, and perfect will and yearn to please You.

4. Be humble
Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Dear Father, enable my children to do nothing out of selfish ambition or earthly pride, but to humbly consider others more important than themselves as they view the world through Your eternal mindset. Help my children to look after not only their own interests, but the interest of others as well, as You call them to do. Set their minds on things above, instead on earthly things, and enable them to live with an eternal focus on You.

5. Have courage
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Father, you have commanded us to be strong and courageous, for our strength is found in You alone. Help my children to cling to this promise. Do not let them be afraid or discouraged, for they know that You are with them wherever they go.

6. Be grateful
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

Father God, may Your word dwell richly within my children. Grace them with the ability to teach and admonish others with Your wisdom. Gift them with the ability to freely worship You with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that overflow from the gratitude settled in their heart and mind.

7. Possess a godly heart
Matthew 15:10-11 says, “Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “Listen and understand. A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Gracious Father, enlighten the heart and mind of my children so that they understand the need for You, and please give them the desire to seek You wholly. Make their heart pure by Your holy standards so that what exits is pleasing and honoring to You.

8. For protection
Psalm 121:7-8 says, “The Lord will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”

Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly ask that You protect my children from all evil. Build Your holy shield around them, encircle them with Your watchful eyes and mighty arms. Watch over their comings and goings, now and forevermore. Preserve their soul so that they may live a life of devotion and praise to You.

9. Strong Faith
Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Father God, we know that without faith, it is impossible to please You. Enable my children to approach You with a strong belief in Your existence, promises, and truths so that they live a live of faith that honors You.

10. Godly Confidence
Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “Put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Heavenly Father, may my children put off their former way of life, the old self corrupted by deceitful desires, and renew them in the spirit of Your holy mind. Help them put on a new self, created to be like You in true righteousness and holiness. May their life be a shining example of what is possible when one builds holy and biblical confidence through You.

What power and glory our Father manifests as we purposely pray God’s word.

We could continue finding applicable verses and designing prayers seeking God’s love, truth, and power in the lives of our children. I pray that what we have covered in this series of podcast episodes will jumpstart or strengthen your desire to search scripture for additional verses and enable you to speak beautiful and heartfelt prayers. Knowing the power of prayer, we must get into the habit of praying not only for our spouse, children, and self, but allow the power of scripture to overflow to others for which we intercede before the throne of God. Our world is in desperate need of prayer. Please remember to include scriptural prayer for our leaders, both in the local and higher positions of government, as well as pastors, churches, educational institutions and teachers. The list seems endless, but praying for these people regularly, even if you make a schedule of different days to do so, will bring the power of God to our world with a profound and needed truth and purpose.

Colossians 4:2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Father, Who is like you, Lord our God, the One enthroned on high? There is none like You. May each of us professing to love and follow You devote ourselves to prayer in new and holy ways that match the desire You call for us. May we be watchful and thankful, ready to intercede when directed by You and seeking to lift requests to Your heart in expedient and holy ways. May we live lives that are honoring and joyful to You and draw us ever nearer to Your grace-laden arms.

Thank you for listening to this podcast series on Praying Scripture. If prayer is a topic you would like to learn more about, you may enjoy listening to episode 18, “Prayer,” as well as the last two LWEP episodes regarding Praying Scripture.

I also invite you to visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.