Praying God’s promises — it’s changed me.
That’s why I included a prayer, at the end of each chapter, weaving together Scriptures from that chapter and others I sensed God wanted us to engrave on our hearts.
“Praying God’s Word has been one of the most life-changing ways I’ve learned to live in the security of His promises…and isn’t what we all want?
“One way God tells us that confidence will come is when we ask Him for what is already part of His will. ‘This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us’ (1 John 5:14 NASB). So there you go: we can be confident we are praying God’s will when we pray God’s Word!” p.25
But that’s not all.
Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” so let’s pray these promises out loud again and again.
Out loud. Yes, even if it seems weird. Find somewhere you can be alone and speak these truths to God and let them echo in your heart
Trust me, it makes a difference.
“When we pray God’s words out loud, and hear them, the Holy Spirit engraves them on our hearts and writes them in our thoughts. We internalize God’s truth and our faith grows as we are transformed from the inside out!” p.25
Let’s pray this week’s prayer {together}:
Lord, I pray that You would give me a confident heart in Christ. Take me beyond believing in You to truly believing You. Help me rely on the power of Your promises and live like they are true. You say blessed is the one who trusts in You and whose hope and confidence are found in You. Those who hope in You will not be disappointed, because You work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.
When self-doubt tells me I can’t overcome my insecurities, I will believe Your promise that all things are possible to whoever believes. I will not throw away my confidence, because You say it will be richly rewarded. I will persevere so that when I have done the will of God, I will receive what You have promised. My confidence is in Christ and I am no longer one who shrinks back and is destroyed, but one who believes and is saved! In Jesus’ name, Amen. {See Jeremiah 17:7; Isaiah 49:23; Romans 8:28; Mark 9:23; Hebrews 10:35–36, 39}
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A Song of Prayer
My friend, award-winning composer and pianist , Chad Lawson, has graciously shared his beautiful, Spirit-filled Song of Prayer below. Watch and listen below for FREE and soak in this God-gift that was filmed while Chad listened to the Holy Spirit for 32 minutes and simply played what He laid on his heart. You’ll see the joy of Christ in Chad’s smile but more than anything, you’ll experience the peace of God’s presence through his music.
Download Song of Prayer: You can find it on Itunes ($1.99) or Amazon ($.89)
Today’s Give-Away: 3 Special Order Song of Prayer CDs
To enter to win one: Click “share your thoughts” below this post and describe how you felt or what you sensed God whisper as you listened to Chad’s Song of Prayer. Also share one or two of your answers to questions at the end of Chapter 1.
If you’re reading this via email: Scroll to the top of your email and click the title “Praying God’s Promises” to go back to my website. All entries must be put in the “share your thoughts” section.
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Wow, as I noticed the time of the song my first thought was I can’t listen to a song that long but as I sit here typing with the song still playing I am at peace. Even though I have once again jam packed my day with things to do I am so thankful that I listened to the Lord & picked up my book & read. Clicking on this song has set my heart & mind in such a peaceful setting. A setting in which I can listen & be hearing the Lord. A setting that tells me He is my confidence! He is my hope! He is my strength! I will stop doubting myself.
I cannot think of a time when I was confident. When I read Isaiah 49:23 it makes me smile. Isaiah 43:19 gives me hope knowing the new thing He is about to start in me through this Bible Study.
As I listen to this music & watch the snow gently fall outside covering the dirt making it look clean & new I am reminded of the hymn that says, “Wash me and I will be whiter than snow”. Thank you Lord for your incredible timing in my life!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this music. I began listening to the song last night and I felt so at peace, I fell asleep. I’m listening to it again this morning, and I’m really thinking about ordering it, so that I may have it with me in those moments in life in which I may need to slip away and rest in GOD’s peace. I could be very wrong, but around about 12:00 into the song, it sounds as if he begins to play, Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus. I know for a fact, that GOD has been speaking to me about learning to completely trust HIM with my life, my future, and even my family and their lives. I’m sure He wants me to stop worrying and trust HIM to be GOD. Sometimes that’s difficult for me and I worry about things that I have no control over. I’ve been hurt in the past on several occasions, and oftentimes I find myself trying to avoid situations and people that may try to hurt me. I could talk about this all day, but I will complete this paragraph by saying that I’m learning to trust him, and it is a process.
#6. I would describe a confident woman as someone who leans totally on Jesus. She lives the life of peace. Despite her fears and insecurities, she knows without a shadow of doubt that GOD will see her through. She knows this because she stands on the words that she sang as a little girl, “they are weak, but HE is strong.” She is also someone who has an intimate relationship with Jesus and who inspires others to be just like her. She is someone I aspire to be.
Thank you Renee for this book, the song, and this blog!
To me, Chad’s song was a beautiful conversation with God. The louder quicker segments was my praise, confession, requests, and pouring out, the blank space between as I’m still, wait and listen for the quiet slower segments a sGod’s still small voice speaks to my heart, guiding, leading, comforting, showing me his path for his purpose. It made my cry!
While listening to A Song of Prayer I felt a sense of peace, joy & serenity wash over me! i felt myself relax, and focus my thoughts on those things of God….
Proverbs 3:5-6 With this I am to trust Him in my storm of life and know that as I do He will guide me. With Him all things are possible and in my trial I can believe Him because His word does not come back void.
My first thought was…..how slowly the song started and you might have thought he was ‘stuck’, but what occurred to me was…how often do I start out thinking that I’ll listen for god’s voice and if I don’t hear from Him right away……I miss that moment where He is beginning the conversation because I was in too big of a hurry. Beautiful song!
I felt the gentleness of the Almighty Creator. The desire and longing He has to be with us and to love us with an absolutely unconditional love. At times it felt as though it was God running after me, saying I’m not letting go, you can try this on your own but I’m just not going to let go. At other times I felt as if He was carrying me and I was looking and seeing the footprints in the sand as I wept in His arms and felt safe and secure. I heard What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus…then I heard the gentleness of the blood sprinkling down over me like a soft gentle rain. It was as if He was sending a beautiful reminder of His incredible love. I felt as if there were times that the music was so gentle and soft…a picture came of walking with Jesus down that beach just talking. Then there were times the music sped up as if God were saying I’m here child, don’t be afraid, I’m right here behind you waiting for you to turn back around. Over and over I heard the recurring theme of the blood washing away my sin and the reminder of what an incredible friend I have in Jesus. It was almost as if it were a picture of my life, our lives that God will never leave us, He will never forsake us. We are never left alone. I heard God reminding me, its ok child, I am here. Be still and know that I am God! Be still!!
Question 4. Describe what happens in your heart when you read God’s words:
“Those who hope in me will not be disappointed” Isa. 49:23
“See, I am doing a new thing!” Isa. 43:19
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28
“All things are possible to [her] who believes” Mark 9:23
My original answer to this question was…honestly, the first thing I feel is…I so wish I could remember these things and feel confident. I trust God and take Him at His word but…there is that word…but I just don’t ever allow myself to REALLY let go and trust Him and believe Him.
As I listened to this beautiful song, I felt this overwhelming feeling of His presence. An overwhelming feeling of that fear of disappointment being lifted. A feeling of all of these verses being poured out over me gently as if they were the blood washing me clean again.
God is so incredible! He uses so many different things to get our attention and to bring us back into a place where we can focus on Him. These promises are incredible really. When you look at them all together, He said we won’t be disappointed with the new thing He is doing because it WILL work for His purpose and all be have to do is believe.
Jeanette
While I was listening to this music I closed my eyes and could envision the streets of heaven with children laughing and playing and people walking together hand-in-hand, dogs playing in the leaves in the grass. Sometimes the music was reflective almost as if they were stopping to look at the flowers or a butterfly or to watch birds take flight. Such a beautiful gift. So peaceful and calming and happy. You feel as if you can let go of the fears and self-doubt and all of the other trappings of this world that keep us from doing what we should be doing, what God would have us do. One of the questions at the end of the first chapter is “Has insecurity ever kept you from doing something?” I’ve been insecure and had problems with self-esteem for so long there is a life-time of things I have given up on or passed by because of it. I’m 56 years old now and feel like I have lived a life-time already but only partially. I would love to fill my heart and soul up with God’s love and let go of the insecurities I’ve lived with my whole life and actually live the rest of my life out loud instead of hiding in the shadows, hoping no one notices I’m here. Thank you for your study and the chance to find that confidence in my own heart.
As I was laying in bed, ready to sleep for the night, I first listened to this music…I could feel the relaxation coming over me…so peaceful and quiet…mind quieting music Oh how beautiful that music would be to listen to and allow God to quiet my ever wandering and ever alert mind…I think it could quiet my doubting heart and the’ replaying and rethinking’ I so aften do regarding the day…I never download music but might have to this time! Beautiful!
As for the questions…my earliest memory of doubting myself or feeling insecure was as a child when I ‘discovered’ I was a head taller than everyone in my school. The boys called me Jolly Green Giant. I just wanted to fit in. Middle school and dances made it worse yet…It wasn’t until later in high school or college that I was less insecure about my height.
Isaiah 43:19 has been a verse for our family the past 8 years. We went through some big struggles and God has been with us every painful step and also every joyful step. Yes, it was hard but the blessing and knowledge of knowing God’s plans are superior to anything I could concoct…He has shown me that time and time again. SO I have to remind myself when I am down or can’t comprehend the why’s in life…that God is doing a new thing in my life…
I have dial up, so I couldn’t listen to the music.
My answers for three & four:
3. I feel small and wretched. I feel incapable of doing anything worth while, and like staying in bed all day. i feel afraid.
4. I feel peace and joy and hope; those things I feel when I feel Christ’s presence. I feel strengthened and like I can do more, because of Him. Like a kid who is afraid of the bigger kids, until their parent comes and they can stand up because they know that parent won’t let the others hurt them. I feel reassured, blessed, and thankful.
When i listened to the music i sence the peace of GOD, to be still and fell his presence is wonderful. I enjoyed it so much i downloaded it onto my ipod. Thank you so much for sharing. Renee there is something you said in chapter one that has given be great revelation, doubt and hope cannot live our hearts at the same time. We must always know that there is hope in every situation because if we don’t doubt will always creep in and we if allow it we will not get the victory or the manifestation of what we are hoping and believing for.
The Prayer song is beautiful. I don’t know how, bit it helped me relax & focus,. It set my frame of mind to stop & listen for God to speak. I would love to have one of his CD’s. Thanks for sharing that,
The music was comforting. What talent he has and so grateful he shared with us. I feel secure and thankful to God because I have a warm house tonight (only 5 degrees outside right now).
Question #3 When doubt whispers in my ear I wish I had the power to overcome it and be strong.
Question #6 A woman with a confident heart has total faith in God and herself. She is not afraid to tackle obstacles.
My earliest insecurity came when I was learning to read and I had a ruler under the line I was on and my dad called me names and said you can do it without that. My dad had a hard time with me being a slow learner thank goodness my dad in heaven doesn’t.
Amen on our dad in Heaven not having a hard time with me being a slow learner about HIS ways. HIs mercies are new every morning!
Dear Lesley, I remember that time in life too. It was so hard when you don’t feel you measure up to what is expected. Being the youngest of three girls and I have dyslexia, I never could measure up. Now I know that God has the measuring stick and no one measures up, but through the blood of Jesus we can measure up. He took our shame, our fear, our disappointments and rejection on the cross. That is such a freeing feeling. Because of my hard time reading I have had patience with children teaching them to read, and other things. We go through things so we can take the hand of another and walk them through those same kind of things.
You are Blessed Lesley.
What beautiful, tranquil music…obviously God inspired! Was fighting a terrible headache when I started listening…and now it is gone. Was praying and asking God to stop those constantly turning wheels in my head that say I must be doing something productive every moment…to help me “be still and listen to Him talk to me.” This music calmed my heart. Tomorrow is the 1st anniversary of my dear Mother’s death. I have been fighting depression over this for two months. I’m searching for that “confident heart” again. My first feelings of insecurity go back to a little tiny girl–2-3 yrs old…& have carried on thruout my life. Fleeting moments of security and confidence.
Your “Acknowledgements” made me cry; and touched my heart deeply. Some of the words that captivated my heart are: words of affirmation, God’s calling on my life, courage, perseverance, sacrificing, passion, thoughtfulness, wisdom, laughter, contagious joy, hugs, unending gifts of encouragement, thank you for believing in me & loving me thru it all, for listening, unconditional love, grace, treasured friends & forever family, your prayers, thank you for believing in my dreams…YOU are my confidence.”
Such powerful words….and desires of my heart. It is my prayer (for all of us committed to this study) that by the time we reach the last chapter, we, too, can relate and feel these gifts in our hearts.
Carolynn
The music relaxed me. I sensed one of the names of God – -El Roi – the God who sees…
1. My earliest memory of insecurity was way back in the first grade – almost 40 years ago when my mom didnt come and pick me up from school and my teacher ended up taking me home. When I pointed out my house, she said – that’s where you live?? I grew up poor and I have never forgotten that day & the way it made me feel.
4. Three of those scriptures continue to come up for me, even before this study. I am waiting on God to write my love story. I want a man who is sold out to Jesus. I was in a 23 year marriage, unequally yoked that ended two years ago.. For me, 3 of those scriptures have been ones God has given to me on several occassions over the past 6 months. Isaiah 49:23 – those who hope in Me will not be disappointed, Mark 9:23 – all things are possible to her who believes & “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). He just affirmed them in this study which was awesome!
I am in prayer for you Sherry that you will be able to release those memories to Jesus to wash in His blood and return them to you in a loving way. And I believe that He will.
“No other fount I know…nothing but the blood of Jesus” was in part of the pray song. That song send refreshing of the forgiveness of Jesus. One of the earliest hymns in my mind. I knew all the words from an early age to all the old hymns…I am so thankful now as they speak to my soul.
3) Describe how it makes you feel when doubt whispers:
“I can’t do this.” I want to know who is telling me that.
“Things will never change.” So, what, I know I can be cheerful anyway.
“My life isn’t going to get better.” I have hope in Christ, so there is an ending in glory.
“It’s too hard.” So, why not try and surprise myself.
“I might as well quit.” Am I quitting for the correct reason. Sometimes it is better to cut the loses and quit.
Too many times I tried to make a “dead horse” walk again. I am hard to give up on things…but sometimes you have to say enough it enough.
Listening to the piano music, I thought of Christ’s words: “I will never leave you nor forsake you”
4. I feel hopeful and excited about the possibilities of what God can and will do in and for me. I also feel more relaxed because God says I will not be disappointed when I hope in Him.
Karen C
All I can describe with the piano music is peace and joy. It makes me feel happy and alive. I absolutely love music like that, it speaks to your soul.
#3- “Its too hard” and “My life isn’t going to get any better” -these make me feel very defeated and hopeless. In my profession, these are actually common thoughts for me. Sometimes I just feel stuck or like I deserve the negativity I am in.
#4- “Those who hope in Me will not be disappointed” and “all things are possible to (her) who believes”- this makes me believe in the power that is mine through the Lord. That He allows me to accomplish things and that His word is truth. My favorite is that Isaiah 49:23 because it offers so much hope, not despair! It speaks of trust and that is something I want to grow in this year.
My answer to the first question was a memory of elementary school where I was selected to sing and dance in a speech class. I only sang and could barely move my feet.
Praying the prayers outloud do make a difference.