Our families are important to us and we want the best for them.  Part of that is to pray for them.  One of the things I have learn’t over the years is the power of praying God’s word and how strategic this when praying for them.

God’s word says that we do not wage ware like the world does but the weapons we fight with have divine power (2Corinthians 10:3-5) – this is prayer.

God, also, says that  “His word does not return to Him empty but accomplishes what He desires and achieves the purpose that He sent it” (Isaiah 55:8-11) - (The words in bold are important to recognise whose will  you are praying).

Each year I ask God for verses for each of my family members.  I sit and wait in the quiet in expectation that God will bring verses to my mind.  This hasn’t been a fast process but one that has been cultivated by practice as I discern the voice of God amidst my own thoughts.

I then commit to pray that verse over that particular family member for the year.  Sometimes I write out the verse and place it under their mattress and ask God that whilst they sleep that His word will be active in their minds and body.  Other times I have written in their birthday card and some years I haven’t even shared with them the verse but I commit to using this verse for one year in prayer for them.

There are times when I don’t see how these verses are having effect on my family but one thing I can be sure of and have total confidence is that God’s word does not return to Him empty!

I must say, though, that this is not a formula – if I pray this way the God will work that way).  We must remember that God will do what He desires – which is the reason I ask God for the verses in the beginning.  I want to be working with God not on my own.

God’s word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) – so why not use it.