Because It Is Written
God’s dunamis power is infinite. By his word he spoke the heavens and earth into being. You are created in his image. Therefore, when you need powerful results, call upon his word. Jesus, Son of God, quoted God’s word when he needed power against Satan. Follow his lead.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus said, “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, and sat him on a pinnacle of the Temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For it is written, He will give his angels charge concerning you, and in their hands they shall bear you up. Lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, Thou shalt not put the Lord your God to the test.” Again the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “All these things I will give to you if you will fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to him, “Get out of here, Satan, for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.”
Matthew 4:1-11
God wants to be your Father and your best friend; the one you spend time with; the one you acknowledge every day; the first one you call for help, and the one you thank every day for the gift of that day – it truly is a gift. Make your prayer a conversation and draw God into it. What do you like about his creation? Ask for his perspective. Take a sheet of paper and make two lists: things you want and things you need. Ask him if he agrees and review the list with him each morning. When he provides what you need, put a check by it and write down the date you received it.
To pray simply means to ask.
There are times we need help and truly need supernatural intervention. For those times we need a solid relationship with God. That relationship comes not from sporadically asking, but continually seeking.
“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:33
PRAYER KEYS
Be Genuine – “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” Matthew 6:7
Be Persistent – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
Be Continuous – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16
Be Specific – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
FOLLOW JESUS’ LEAD
- Pray to the Father – “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father’….” Matthew 6:9
- Repent – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
Ps. 32:1 - Take time to listen – “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3 - Pray in the name of the Son – Jesus said, “And whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
John 14:13-14 - Praise Him – “The Lord upholds all that fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down. The Lord is near to all those who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him; he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The Lord preserves all those who love him, but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.”
Psalm 145: 14,18-21
SAMPLE PRAYERS
Father, I am a sinner in need of a savior. From Colossians 1 it is written: For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and by him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth. He has done this through his own death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God.’ I need that peace, Father. Forgive me for all my sins. Come into my heart and cleanse it; make it your home. Draw me to your word. Teach me, lead me and make me the person you want me to be. I ask it all in Jesus’ name.
Father, you are the one who stretched out the north over the empty space and hung the earth on nothing. You heal the broken in heart and bind up their wounds. You appoint the number of stars and call them all by their names. Your power is great and your understanding is infinite. Your loving-kindness is unequalled. Lord you are magnificent beyond comprehension.
Father, forgive me for all my sins. Take this lump of clay and mold me intentionally for your kingdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit to direct me in all decisions; be my counselor, Lord.
Lord, so many people are calling out to you right now. Old people, young people, teenagers and children with severe issues of abuse, loneliness, illness, spiritually broken, afraid of the future, and in all need of a Father. Lord God, please hear their prayers, and heal them in the name of Jesus, because it is written, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed.”
Father protect them from the evil one, because it is written, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, rulers of this dark world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand in that day. Wrap yourself in truth, walk in peace, put on the breastplate of righteousness; take up the shield of faith to quench those fiery darts from that stinking, stalking devil. Above all, put on the helmet of salvation, and take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God and pray.” I ask it all in Jesus’ name.
Through Jeremiah, you said, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” I am calling upon you now to receive whatever you have for me today. Speak to my heart. Answer my prayer.
Father, thank you for my family, my friends and neighbors. Most of all, thank you for taking time to meet with me.
SCRIPTURE PRAYERS
From Psalm 23:
Lord, you are my shepherd; I shall not want. You make me lie down in green pastures and lead me beside still waters. You restore my soul. You take me by the hand and lead me along the paths of righteousness for your very own name’s sake. And even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid; for you are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil until my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
From Isaiah 64:
Oh Lord, I wish you would just burst from the heavens and come down! Oh, how the mountains would quake. Just like fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, so your coming would make the all the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! When you came down long, long, ago, you did awesome things beyond our wildest expectations – and oh, how the mountains shook! Ever since the world began, not one ear has heard, nor one eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! Lord I’m waiting for you now….
From Psalm 139
O Lord, you have examined my heart and you know everything about me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up. You know my every thought when I’m far away. You chart the path before me and show me where to stop and rest. Every minute you know exactly where I am. You know what I’m going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow after me. You place your hand of blessing upon my head. Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, forgive me, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
From Psalm 51
I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. I was born a sinner, but you desire honesty from the womb teaching me wisdom even there. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me, now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
SPEAK TO IT!
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, said the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Just like the rain comes down, and the snow falls from heaven, it does not return there, but it goes forth and waters the earth, and causes it to bud and bloom, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:8-11
Again, you were created in the image of God. Genesis 1:26
“Call those things that are not, as though they were” so they will be.
Romans 4:17
Sickness and disease, GET OUT of this body in the name of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God and the blood of the Lamb because it is written, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was on him, and by his stripes, we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
Health and healing, COME! in the name of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of the Lamb because it is written, “O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.”
Psalm 30:1-3
REFERENCES
Matthew 12:37
For by your words you shall be justified and by your words you shall be condemned. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.
Matthew 7:8
For every one that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.
John 16:24
You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
James 4:3
You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts.
1 John 3:22
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Luke 10:19
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 24:49
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high.
Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 6:8
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
1 Corinthians 1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
2 Corinthians 6:7
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left…
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Colossians 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Colossians 2:10
And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Revelation 2:26
And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mark 12:24
And Jesus answering said unto them, Do you not therefore err, because you know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
Luke 4:32
And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
Matthew 10:1
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Luke 9:1
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
John 5:27
And has given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
2 Corinthians 10:8
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
Titus 2:15
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
HEALING
God reminds us of our leverage or advantage in Genesis 1:26 when he said, “let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” Even at that point in the chapter, we knew several things about God – he spoke things into action, didn’t need to lift a hand; he knew the difference between good and evil; he was very organized; he was a planner; he made good choices; he was a teacher; a detailed person; a ‘big picture’ person: he formed creation in a specific order; and he was full of wisdom. His spoken word changed everything. And we’re created in that image.
Exodus 15:25-27
“If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you.”
Deuteronomy 32:38-40
Look now; I myself am he! There is no other god but me! I am the one who kills and gives life; I am the one who wounds and heals; no one can be rescued from my powerful hand!
Psalm 6:1-3
Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
Psalm 30:1-3
O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.
Psalm 41:2-4
The LORD nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.
Psalm 73:25-27
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Psalm 107:19-21
He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.
Psalm 147:2-4
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
Proverbs 3:1-9
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your bodyand strength for your bones.
Proverbs 4:20-22
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them.Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them,and healing to their whole body.
Proverbs 12:17-19
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Proverbs 16:23-25
Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
Refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy.
Isaiah 6:9-11
Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.”
Isaiah 38:15-17
Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!
Isaiah 38:19-21
Think of it—the LORD is ready to heal me! I will sing his praises with instruments every day of my life in the Temple of the LORD.
Isaiah 53:4-6
He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was on him, and by his stripes, we are healed.
Isaiah 57:17-20
I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them.I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips.May they have abundant peace, both near and far,” says the Lord, who heals them. “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.
Jeremiah 17:13-15
O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!
Matthew 8:6-8
Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”
Luke 13:11-13
When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!”
Luke 17:18-20
And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
1 Peter 2:21-25
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Luke 18: 35-43
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Philippians 4:19
My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-8
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Isaiah 58:13-14
If thou turn away your foot from the sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shall honor him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words: Then shalt thou delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob your father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 64:1-4
Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! Just like fire causes wood to burnand water to boil,so your coming would make the nations tremble.Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! When you came down long ago,you did awesome things beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heardand no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Romans 4:17
Call those things which are not, as though they were, so that they will be!
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble and he knows those who trust him.
Psalm 9:9
The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed; a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know you will put their trust in you.
Psalm 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise God, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Psalm 50:15
Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.
Romans 8:28
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
John 16:33
In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you what is good; and what does the lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.