Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O Lord, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’  Genesis 32:9

When Jacob faced a huge obstacle, he taught us a lesson on how to pray. He poured out his heart to God and told God how he was feeling. He was afraid, terrified, and thought the worst was going to happen. He thought his angry brother was going to destroy his family. But watch where he landed in his prayer… this is where the power is. He said, “Lord, you told me…” and reminded God what was promised to him. This is the game-changing moment of every prayer you pray. When you know what God has promised you, you have something to hold onto. That word from the Lord becomes the focal point of your prayers.

One of my favorite ways to pray is lining up my prayers with what God has said. It’s been a regular practice of mine for years to have about four pages of what I call declaration verses. They are scriptures that clearly say what God has said over my life, promises He has made to me through His written word. From my personal walk with God, my marriage and family, the ministry God has called me to, the friendships God has blessed me with, to the finances God has entrusted to me—I have searched God’s Word to find out what He has to say about that.

Here are some of my favorites that I wanted to share with you. Today, enjoy saying what God has to say to you! Go ahead and say them out loud and hear the Lord speaking over your life.

  • I have called you, I have brought you, and you will succeed in the mission I have given you. – Isaiah 48:15
  • You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! – Isaiah 26:3
  • The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. – Psalms 32:8
  • The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. – Psalms 25:8
  • The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. – Psalms 23:1
  • He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. – Isaiah 40:11
  • Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you. – Isaiah 41:10
  • The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall,  for the Lord holds them by the hand. – Psalms 37:23-24
  • The hopes of the godly will come to pass. – Proverbs 10:24b
  • I am blessed with wonderful harvests and plenty. – Isaiah 30:23
  • My barns are overflowing with wealth and increase. – Proverbs 3:10

As you are reading God’s Word today, look for a promise, look for something God is speaking over you. Then take note of it, make a list. You can speak those words over you, and pray those words for years to come. Remember, He is faithful to keep His promises!