Why Use Scripture in Prayer?

I find myself getting caught up in repetitious prayers.  God's love, mercy, and grace round out my top three items for praise and thankfulness.  They sit in the forefront of my mind, and while they are key attributes, the words can lose their meaning when the Scriptures are left behind.  Here are a few things that can help us to use Scripture in prayer. 

Reading through the examples of other Christ followers connects us to God through common experiences.  As Paul describes the trials that God brought him through in various passages in the Bible (2 Cor 11:24-28), I can trust that he will see me through whatever situation that I am in as well.  Peter's denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) demonstrates that even the closest disciple slips into sin and has access to forgiveness (John 21:15-19).   The words of 1 Corinthians 10:6 echo to us from all of Scripture that "these things took place as examples for us."  Thomas doubted (John 14:5, John 20:25), Moses struggled with speaking (Exodus 4:10), James and John sought positions for themselves (Mark 10:37), Abraham tried to gain God's promises through his own means (Gen 15:1-4, 16:1-6), Barnabas strived to be an encouragement (Acts 4:36, 9:27), and Joseph suffered yet remained faithful (Gen 37, 39-41).  The examples are plentiful and relatable no matter what scenarios may come. 

Remembering the promises from Scripture encourages us to pray with thanksgiving.  John 16:33 says "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”   Psalm 86:5 "For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you."  Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." First Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." 

Lastly, the repetition of studying in the Scriptures invites the Holy Spirit to mature us in Christ.  Hebrews 4:12 states that "the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  As a living document, the Bible will never be depleted of knowledge and wisdom.  As we mature and grow, things that were hard to understand become clearer.  As we dedicate ourselves to being a forever student of the Bible, simple theologies will display their complex dynamics. 

To refresh a stale prayer time, look to the Word of God.  To get out of the rut of vain repetition, dig into the Scriptures.  To gain meaning and maturity, use Scriptures throughout our conversations with God.