Praying the Promises: Pleading with God

Be strong and courageous. In times of distress turn to God in prayer and ask Him to fulfill His promises.

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Attitude of Humility & Expectancy

We come with a twofold attitude of both abject humility and courageous expectancy. We don’t dictate to God, even when claiming His promises. But we do come boldly, reverentially, before His throne.

Acknowledge & Confess Sin

We come before God acknowledging our sinfulness and confessing our sins as the Holy Spirit brings them to remembrance. We must not deceive ourselves into thinking that the Lord will honor our requests if we harbor unconfessed sin in our lives or if we are living in a condition of disobedience to His revealed will in the Bible.

Bring Specific Concerns & Details to God

It is not that the omniscient Lord needs more information; rather, in doing this, our thoughts clarify, and the Lord can help us better understand and gain perspective on our current situation.

Focus on God’s Character

It is good to remind the Lord of certain related character qualities, not only pleading that He act in keeping with His character, but also asking Him to build these into our lives during this testing of our faith.

Base Our Requests on the Promises in God’s Word

Though we do make specific requests, we again must yield to the Lord the right to answer in His way and in His time. He alone can see all things; He knows what circumstances and timing are best for us. Having a demanding spirit regarding either the means or the time of God’s answer is a sign of spiritual immaturity.

Promises to Depend on From God’s Word Regarding His Love & Care for You

PSALM 103:17

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.

NAHUM 1:7

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

MATTHEW 6:31‑33

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

MATTHEW 10:29‑31

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

JOHN 14:21

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.

JOHN 15:9,10

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

ROMANS 8:32

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

1 PETER 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

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Adapted from Praying Over God’s Promises by Tom Yeakley, used with permission by NavPress.