As I review Jonah 2:2 this morning, Jonah says, “I called to the LORD in my distress, and he answered me. From the depths of my watery grave I cried for help, and you heard my cry.” (GW)
When I know what’s causing my hopelessness, I can begin to pray specifically for what I need. I believe this is how God wants me to talk with him.
And as I pray specifically, I should take Scripture and pray it back to God. It’s the key to asking God for help!
That’s what Jonah did when he sank into the ocean and was swallowed by a large fish. In his short prayer in Jonah 2, he prayed eight different Scriptures. Everything he said is a quote from the book of Psalms. Jonah was obviously well-versed in Scripture.
What verses should I pray back to God?
. Pray the laments of God. When I’m angry, go back to one of the laments in Psalms or the book of Lamentations and pray those complaints back to God.
. Pray the truth about God. Pray what the Bible says about God, about his goodness, his fairness, and his justice.
. Pray the promises of God. Pray one of the promises of God memorized in His Word.
As I study God’s Word, like Jonah, I can pray God’s Word back to him. And as I do, God will bring hope back into my life.
In summary, call to the LORD in my distress, for he will answer. Cry for help, and he will hear. When I know what’s causing my hopelessness, I can begin to pray specifically for what I need. This is how God wants me to talk with him. I should take Scripture and pray it back to God. That’s what Jonah did, he prayed eight different Scriptures. Quotes from the book of Psalms. What verses should I pray back? Pray the laments of God. When angry, pray those complaints back to God. Pray the truth about God and what the Bible says about Him; his goodness, fairness, and justice. And Pray the promises of God. As I study God’s Word, I can pray God’s Word back to him. As I do, God will bring hope back into my life.
I need to continue to memorize verses that speak to me, so that I can more readily pray Scripture back to you. As I considered the three kinds of prayers discussed above, laments, truth about God, God’s promises, It would be hard to pick just one. At this time in my life I need all three; laments about how myself and my team are being treated, remembering the truth about you and what you have promised me if I follow whole-heartedly. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my plans and my interactions with others. I ask these things through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.
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