Using the Bible to pray for others

²² The Lord said to Moses, ²³ “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

²⁴ “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

²⁷ “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27. NIV

Principle: Prayer Warriors use scriptures to bless others

Over the last 3 years we have hosted a Bible reading marathon in my city of Tuscaloosa.  We start in Genesis and ask people to read for 15 minutes.  Then we pass the “reading baton” to the next volunteer who starts where the last person left off.  Typically, we read about 3 chapters in each of the 15 minutes.  We continue this pattern day and night for 90 hours.

Covering the night time readers has been the challenge each year.  So, I schedule myself to be a monitor during the overnights.  This person reads if there is a gap or if someone fails to show up.  The timing of when we start places Numbers right in the middle of the first night.  It has been my privilege and honor to read Numbers 6:22-27 over our city these past 3 years. 

In the stillness of the night, there is only an occasional delivery truck passing by, which leads to a very calm night with a few small birds calling out their presence.   Standing on the First Baptist Church lawn and facing the County Courthouse, I reverently and loudly speak the “Aaronic Blessing” over our city and into the heavens above.  I envision changing the “you” in the passage to the “City of Tuscaloosa”.  It is a powerful moment invoking the Lord God Almighty to bless and be gracious to our city.

Using Bible passages are a great way to focus your prayer.  It also opens up lots of avenues to pray for people.  The following are some steps and passages that you may want to use to start praying the scripture. 

1.    Read the passage slowly and aloud.

2.    Determine who is speaking in the passage and who are the recipients.

3.    Replace the pronouns with the person that you are praying for and pray the scripture.

a.    For instance,  The Lord is my shepherd, could be prayed in this way.  The Lord is Micah’s (one of my sons) shepherd.  Father, today would you watch over Micah’s life.  Would you reveal to him the direction that he needs to take?  Would you give him a heart to follow you and not to wander off in his own thinking.

b.    Another example. ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV.    Father, God, forgive us for not making the word of God a priority.  Would you help me and my children to think often of your words?  Would you help us to integrate your words into our daily language?  May it be common for us to say, “I was reading in the Bible today and God showed me…”  Help us to be obedient to all of your ways, not just for the times that it is convenient for us.  We trust that following you will lead us to a good place in our lives.

Some Bible passages to use in praying for others

Psalms 1

Joshua 1:8-9

Numbers 6:22-27

Ephesians 3: 14-21

Acts 1:8

I Thessalonians 5:22-23

Romans 12

John 3:16

Romans 8:35-39

Colossians 1:9-14

Father, your word is living and active.  It accomplishes every purpose that you desire for it to have in our lives.  Help us to meditate upon your word continually.  Help us to pray your blessings over our lives.  May you truly bless us.  We are in great need of your mercy.  We think we are way better than we are, and our pride somehow has deceived us into thinking that we deserve your blessings.  Would you face our direction and show kindness to us.  Would you allow the favorable winds to blow in our direction?  May our family walk in peace with one another?  May you bless the work of our hands. Thank you, Lord for your presence, compassion, and kindness.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

I have written a book that helps learn how the Holy Spirit leads us into praying the scripture.  Using Romans 12, I show the potential ways to pray each of the verses.  Let me know if you would be interested in receiving this book.