God’s word says that we do not wage war like the world does but the weapons we fight with have divine power (2 Corinthians 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 an 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 then 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 when you pray.