Macaila Britton writes on feeling lost and divine connection, for Woman Alive magazine.
Following the previous blog post on borrowed prayers, here are seven examples on what a “borrowed prayer” looks like. These are simply inspiration; there are no rules for how often or how many of these borrowed prayers you can use. You may choose to pursue each of the seven ideas, implementing one per day- or, you may find God leading you to one specific point and integrating this into your prayer routine.
1) Praying Scripture
Praying scripture is probably the most commonly referenced way to pray, in general. To borrow a prayer, start by selecting a verse or prayer in the Bible that resonates with you or using one provided from a devotion plan. It’s okay if you don’t know which to choose from. In the back of some Bibles there are lists of prayers that will direct you to the page or provide the chapter and verse it is in. Otherwise, if your Bible is more minimalistic, head to Google (or your preferred search engine) to learn about your options! Once you have your verse (or multiple), become more comfortable with it. Say the verse(s) out loud, read the words over so you understand and are doing more than reading words on a page. Look up any words that are unknown to you and connect with what you are reading. Try to identify aspects of your life- thoughts, feelings, experiences, hopes, dreams, insecurities, blessings, etc. in the text and make note of it. This can be quite literal on a page or stored away in your brain. Next, pray these words to God. For example, below is the traditional version of The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
For other verses that are not already in full “prayer format” as I like to call it, here is an example of what you can do. Other tips include replacing your name in any verses writing “you” or “I”- or even placing in a friend’s name you think would benefit from what that particular verse in scripture is saying. A personalized borrowed prayer suggestion for the verse below is this: “Lord, help me to not be afraid. Give me the courage to keep on speaking- help me not to be silent.” There really isn’t a wrong way to pray scripture as long as your heart and mind has pure intentions. Add in a few words, pray part of the verse and then give an example of where you need that courage to not be afraid, in your life.
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.” Acts 18:9