The “Yes” of God: Unlocking His Promises Through Prayer
In our journey of faith, the promises of God serve as a beacon of hope and assurance. One of the most profound scriptures that encapsulates this truth is 2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” This verse not only affirms the reliability of God’s promises but, highlights the importance of prayer in claiming these promises for our lives.
What does 2 Corinthians 1:20 mean?
Every promise God has made has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of all promises, prophecies, and truths from God. He is the Word made flesh; therefore, every Word that the Father has spoken, is currently speaking, and will speak has already been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. When we pray, our “Amen” is an expression of full agreement and trust in God’s faithfulness through our Savior. This scripture encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that His promises are steadfast and true from beginning to end.
God has made a total of 7,487 promises throughout the pages of the Bible, clearly illustrating His unwavering commitment to His people.
The Importance of God’s Promises in Prayer
His Promises have built the foundation of our faith. God’s promises remind us of His unchanging nature and His commitment to us. When we pray, we are not just speaking into the void; we are engaging with a God who has made specific promises to us and who is quick to fulfill His Words.
His promises are our source of strength. In times of difficulty, recalling and meditating on God’s promises can provide immense strength and comfort. They remind us that we are not alone and that God is actively working on our behalf. God is honored when we need and utilize His strength. He desires for us to be strong, fortified, and fully walled cities, protected and defended by His Word. That is why it is necessary for us to have His Word stored in our hearts - for times when we need to be reminded of the covering of His promises.
His promises give us guidance and direction. By praying the promises of God, we align ourselves with His will and purpose. I want to be very straight forward when I say this because it is a game-changer: Pray with your Bible open! What is the goal? To speak His Word more than your own. On the topic of promises, I will make one to you now… I promise that praying with your Bible open will absolutely make your prayer life more fruitful. His Word is infallible, without flaw, without blemish, and is truth - from cover to cover.
Tips for Praying God’s Promises
Know the Promises: Spend time in the Word to familiarize yourself with God’s promises. Scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:19, and Isaiah 41:10 are great starting points. You can put sticky notes or pieces of paper in your car, room, or office. You can also have these scriptures on your phone wallpaper. Each of these options will help you to begin memorizing these foundational scriptures.
Personalize the Promises: When you pray, personalize God’s promises to your situation. For example, if you are feeling anxious about your job, you might pray, “Lord, you have promised to give me peace that surpasses all understanding. I claim your peace right now over my job, in Jesus’ name.” God's Word is deeply personal and meant to empower us! God's Word is not a distant, theoretical concept. It's alive and relevant to every aspect of your life.
Pray with Confidence: Approach God with the confidence that He is faithful to His Word. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to come boldly to the throne of grace. How do we approach boldly? We simply believe God and take God at His Word. Imagine a sturdy bridge spanning a deep chasm. You see its strong cables, its solid foundation, and its thought-through design. Would you hesitate to cross it? No, you’d walk confidently, knowing it was build by skilled engineers who understood the forces at play. God’s promises are like that bridge. We can trust them fully and approach God with great confidence.
So, let us embrace God's promises with open arms, knowing they are a testament to His love and faithfulness. Let us pray with boldness, claiming these promises for our lives, uttering our "Amen" to His Word, and experiencing the transforming power of His grace. As Jeremiah 1:12 reminds us, “Then the Lord said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.’”
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, we thank you for your precious promises that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Help us to know and claim these promises in our lives. Strengthen our faith as we pray your Word, and guide us according to your will. We trust in your faithfulness and give you all the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”