Have you ever been at the end of your prayer rope? Need help when you’re fresh out of faith and out of words? That’s how I felt in the parking lot at Target when I turned my car key. All I heard was a clicking sound. “Again?” I thought.
Awesome.
My family and I were spending nine months in Dallas, Texas. While our own car was parked at home in the Middle East, a dear and generous older couple had lent us their car to use in Dallas. They were happy to bless us with an extra car they weren’t using, and we were overjoyed at what looked like God’s provision.
What none of us knew was that the car would turn out to be a total lemon. For several months, we lived the stress of driving a vehicle that might leave you stranded any minute. Repair costs mounted, and we became very good friends with Oswalt the mechanic.
That afternoon in the parking lot, I stepped out of the car and started praying like crazy. When I got back in, it started as if by a miracle, and I drove straight home. But I didn’t feel any better. What would we do? How could we afford to buy a vehicle for five more months in Dallas when we’d already spent so much on repairs?
All I could do was go back to the promises of God.
Sometimes we don’t know what God is up to. And we don’t know how to pray when our faith is flatter than a pancake. Have you been there too? That’s when we can turn to God’s promises and pray them back to the God who gave them to us.
God’s promises give us words to pray.
When we don’t know what to say, and we can barely believe God will come through, let’s look to God’s promises in scripture. Although we can never know exactly how God will answer our prayer, we know we’re praying in line with His heart when we pray His words.
Maybe you need some fresh words to pray today? Let’s look at a few promises from Scripture:
God’s Presence with Us:
His Peace:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
His Provision:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Renewed Strength:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Guidance:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6
Unfailing Love:
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
God’s Promises help our faith.
When I turn to the words God has already spoken in scripture, faith rises. I start to hope in Him. Of course God will provide. He already said He would. Of course God will strengthen me and give me peace. His Word says He will. When I remind God of His promises, it builds my faith.
That day in the parking lot, I had no idea that just two weeks later, we’d get a call from an 82 year old mechanic on a $5,000 car he had. God caused everything to line up. We’d planned to visit friends that day, and looking at the car entailed us driving less than a mile off of our already planned route. We bought that car, used it with no problems, and sold it five months later for the same price. God’s perfect provision.
Friend, what circumstances are you facing today? What promise can you cling to? Remind God (and yourself) of that promise in prayer. When we pray about our problems in the light of God’s promises, faith and hope grow in our hearts.
Now it’s your turn: What’s your favorite promise in Scripture? Or which one of these encourages you today?
Note: Prayer is one of my favorite topics. Here’s a recent post in case you missed it:
The Most Important Thing to Remember About Prayer
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God is so good! Love this story! And I love knowing that God hears my groans translated by the Holy Spirit and answers according to His will. Thanks for all this encouragement! Blessings!
Yes, He is good, Liz! Blessings on your week. May He provide above and beyond all you need.
Betsy, I needed to read this today more than I can express in words:) I’m holding on to the promise you shared above, “The Lord himself goes before me.” Needed that today, friend.
Oh Kristine. I can imagine. I’m praying for you right now, friend. I know it is God who goes before you. I love the ESV version of that verse: “It is the Lord who goes before you…” I just hear His voice saying to me, “You know that road ahead of you you’re looking down? Well, I’m way down here ahead of you.”
These are great promises to hold onto. We might no know how he will work everything out, and it might not be as we would want, but just knowing he is with us, guiding us through and giving us strength makes a big difference.
Yes, it does make a difference, Lesley. All the difference in the world!
Betsy, you and your family have been, and will continue to be, blessed in abundance for your obedience and faith wherever you are, as your eyes are fixed on the eternal and your faith in what you don’t yet see. “By faith he (Abraham) made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, who’s architect and builder is God.“ Hebrews 11 9–10 🙂
Aww, Melinda! That means more to me than you know. Thanks so much for your encouragement, friend. What a beautiful verse!
This post has me grinning from ear to ear! I love God’s provision for y’all. (and for each of us.)
Thanks, Dianne. Glad if it made you smile. God is so good, isn’t He?
I LOVE hearing, once again, how God had His perfect provision for you. What a faith boost!
His provision is always perfect, Lisa. I see it more each day.
Betsy,
These are all familiar scriptures to me, but I had to think…how many times do I pray these promises. Sometimes my prayers become very simplistic, like “Jesus, Help!” But how much more powerful to pray what God has already promised. These are all great scriptures for the given needs you mention.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thanks Bev. May the Lord continue to bless your prayer life. Let’s ask Him to fulfill His promises and show His faithfulness. (And I’m thanking Him that He’s already done it.)
Amen Betsy! Such inspiring biblical truths you’ve shared here. I’m thankful that God has made it possible to talk with and hear from Him. I love reading about stories of His intervention and and answered prayer. I continue praying for you and your family as you serve Him. Have a wonderful week and God bless.
Thanks so much for your prayer, Horace. That is so very valuable. Blessings on you in Dallas!
Betsy – hi! As things get more challenging and desperate, my prayers become simpler. I have no more outcomes in mind, no answers, no more tricks up my sleeve.
Just breathing the name of Jesus. And praying, ‘Thy will be done.’
Release and hope and peace come in the door.
Linda, your comments encourage me! “As things get more challenging and desperate, my prayers become simpler.” That sounds like surrender to me, dear friend. <3
I have a family member in a bad situation so I need to find promises to cling to.
My favorite is probably Ex 14:14 “the Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.”
I’m so sorry about your family member, Sarah. I’m lifting up a prayer now. And yes to Exodus 14:14! I love it too.
Betsy, I love this example of how God provided for you guys when you were in Dallas. and even more, the promise that God provides for us. My starter went out in a grocery store parking lot in September. Of course, my husband was out of country and one of my boys was with me while the other was at football practice. God provided a friend who was available that evening to offer transportation and help me out.
Of the verses you shared, Isaiah 40:31 is speaking to me tonight. There are so many good verses in the Word that offer those promises we need when “life happens.”
Thank you for the reminder to hold to God’s promises!
What a story about your starter! So glad you found help. He always sends it when we need it, doesn’t He. Yes, life does tend to “happen,” leaving us the need to remember God’s promises.
Isaiah 26:3 is such an amazing verse. A lot of things want to steal our peace but those who are steadfast in their prayer will be granted Peace.
Visiting you from #heartencouragement
Diana
I love that one too, Diana. It’s perfect for any situation, isn’t it?
Such an encouraging story, Betsy. I needed to hear some encouragement this morning, and your entire list of verses lifted me up. Sharing on Pinterest and Twitter. Blessings to you!
Blessings to you too, Sarah. Praying more encouragement over you now.
Thanks, Betsy, for your continued faithfulness and commitment to follow God wherever He leads. It’s these comparatively minor irritations (broken cars and unexpected home repairs) that seem to test us the most in our walk with God, because we forget that we can pray about those as well as the more catastrophic concerns.
Yes, you’re right about those minor irritations, that we can let them bother us in a major way! I’m trying to learn to pray over them more. 🙂
I’ve been loving your prayer posts, Betsy. Love the testimonial of the car starting after praying, but also of God seeing two weeks down the road, when we’re only privy to each next second as it ticks past. He’s such a faithful God. And, His word always proves comforting, doesn’t it? 🙂 Thanks for sharing, friend. xoxo
I often remind myself, Brenda, when I’m in the middle of something: God will give me through this, step by step. He will provide, empower, bless, guide. In the struggle, it’s hard to remember!
We were on the same kind of page this week with our posts. I am on a road of trusting Him and finding that I don’t get to see the clear way but trusting Him through the obstacles we come across in our path. I am already seeing His provision in some things that just a few weeks ago did not see the answer to but God had it in His plan the whole time. I am learning to trust and not try and go my own way and thinking I know best but trusting Him and believing that the path He has me on is the one for me right now. Thank you for sharing this encouragement with us! Blessings ~
Blessings back at you, Rachel! Last week I heard something about how we need to seek the Presence of Jesus with us today, more than trying to figure out His plan for tomorrow and next month!
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17. Thanks for this reminder Betsy. Blessings to you.
Amen, Boma! I love that verse!
I love your heart for prayer and practically teaching us ways to pray. God is using you to help many.
One of my favorite promises comes from Romans 8:28. God works for the good of those who love him. Hope you have a wonderful day and weekend.
Hope you have a great weekend too, Mary! I LOVE that verse. So powerful and comforting.
Betsy love all your prayer scriptures – some of my favorite. What a sweet story of how He cares even about the little things which I know was a BIG thing for you at the moment. Hugs!
Yes, He does, Debbie. Thanks so much for your encouragement.
Thank you for the moring encouragement. I know with Gods strength today he will help me endure any problem i face today.
Amen! He will Tammy. May He strengthen you with His Grace!
Hi Betsy!
I just so happened to stumble upon your blog and I am so thankful for it! I am walking through a season of uncertainty and sometimes worry about my future. I love Jesus so much and I know he has big plans for my life, but sometimes it can be difficult to give him my worries.
Thank you
Hi there, Bella. I’m so glad you stumbled upon this! May the Lord guide you, friend, into His perfect plan for you. He has plans for good, to give you a hope and a future. May He give you peace today.