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 that 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 to speak these truths where you can hear them, 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}
_____________________
{Special Gift & GiveAway}
Chad Lawson, my friend, award-winning composer and pianist , has graciously shared his beautiful, Spirit-filled Song of Prayer below. Watch and listen below for FREE. {If you’re reading this via email please click here to visit my website to watch}.Friend, you don’t want to miss this – trust me.
Even though it will probably be hard at first, please pause to soak in this God-gift that was filmed while Chad listened to the Holy Spirit. Chad simply played what God 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.
You can find and download A Song of Prayer 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 you feel comfortable sharing about from the end of Chapter 1.
Remember, if you’re reading this via email please click here to visit my website and participate. All entries must be put in the “share your thoughts” section.
Discover more from Renee Swope
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
This may sound unusual, but as I listened to the prayer song I looked at the Beautiful faces of Fridays little victims. I prayed for each child’s family/friends as I skipped through the 20 pictures. Idon’t believe I could have gotten through looking at these precious faces without the sounds of this heavenly angelic music playing in my ears as I felt the warmth of the Holy Spirit comfort me.
Beautiful! Anointed! Calming music!
I just began the Bible study and I am just finishing chapter 1; week 1.
I am a few weeks behind and I am just cathing up and I am listening to this beautiful piece of music and I feel like I am loved & cared for by my Heavenly Father that there is nothing I can’t do, that he is always with me by my side taking care of his daughter. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
I am sitting here listening to this beautiful music, reading your words while the birds are chriping away on this beautiful day. I am filled with confidence that I am truely blessed, grateful and joyful for all the wonderful blessings I have. Even in hard times I am blessed. Thank you for allowing us the moment to reflect and realize HE has provided for us. Di
I close my eyes and wait. HE has been waiting for me. I feel that peace that passeth human understanding.
I feel HIS love all around me. HE whispers to me and calls me ‘Beautiful daughter”. I am thankful that He talks to me and dances with me as the music plays. He takes me to a ‘place’ where I actually focus and listen to the song that He sings for me. He tells me to not fear the voices and faces that confuse me and take the confidence, promises, dreams and plans that He placed inside of me before I was born. He hugs me while we dance and talk…then my eyes open. Doesn’t Jesus bring a smile to us all? True Peace, true Joy and freedom can only be found in Christ Jesus. He IS all of that and more. We love because He first loved us. And I feel that..most of all.
I ordered my book late and just received it yesterday, so I did some catch up reading today on Ch 1.
I was fine until I got to the prayer at the end of the chapter. I couldn’t begin to read it/pray it. I was full of uncertainty and fear. I finally said, “God I am scared” and started crying. When I finally caught my breath I had to force myself to begin…I made it through the first sentence. More tears, more catching my breath…forced myself through the second sentence. This scenario repeated itself for several more sentences before I was able to tearfully get through the prayer.
The questions weren’t much easier. Very eye opening to how hard my heart truly is toward God and His word. I am very guarded where He is concerned. ( and others for that matter) I think it is because I was one of those who thought once I became a Christian, my life would be “perfect” and the disappointments and let downs that followed overcame me.
The Lord has walked me through sexual abuse, emotional abuse, depression and a negative attitude (still working on that one at times) but I have never really opened my heart to Him. He has told me I don’t trust Him with my heart. I think this will be the hardest part of my journey so far!
I feel Jesus, he is saying you are not alone, I am here, I hold your heart with my love, you are my child and you mean everything to me. Don’t fret about your short comings, I forgive you, I love you and you mean everything. I feel hurt when you are hurt, don’t shy from me. I am here to be with you through everyday, I will always be here, just give yourself to me. Believe whole heartedly and give your heart to me. I will change the old and make you new. Change your habits and give you new life. you are never too far from me. I know you believe, just submit your heart and wanting to take care of yourself. You are not selfish, you are stubborn and my father made you strong. Give me a chance in your life. It is not failure to give in to me and my love. You are my everything, my child I love you. I died for you because of my love for you. Just believe in me. My heart cries for my children. Your children, You are beautiful, my everything, my child, my sacrifice. I love you. My spirit is with you. Just listen Please I am love and I love you.
What beautiful music…very inspiring..Thank you Cindy
Playing catch-up, but sticking with it -Jenna-. That song does bring such peace. I’ve been playing it in the mornings to start my day with a sense of peace, it is so easy for me to wake up anxious about all that needs to be accomplished and doubting myself; it has been nice to start with peace.
A few responses to questions in the first chapter:
#3- One of doubt’s loudest whispers in my life has been “I’ll never be good enough, so why bother trying?” Ironically, it has created a form of perfectionism in my life that has kept me from many things because of a fear of failure/being a disappointment. Self-doubt makes me feel hopeless in the deep reaches of my heart, and leads to darker thoughts- for me, doubt is a gateway to depression.
#4- Isaiah 49:23 has spoken volumes to my heart; when I meditate on that promise it brings deep peace to my soul. Just today a friend shared a story of a woman who, when facing doubt, would repeat to herself “I love You, God. I need You, God. I trust You, God.” What a powerful phrase to speak in the face of doubt!
#5- I have always struggled with feeling that I have to earn love, and with being afraid of being a disappointment… and I have projected these things in my relationship with God as well. For me, the promises in the Bible that say God rejoices over me (Zephaniah 3:17) have meant the most in this regard- that not only will I not be disappointed in Him, but He will not be disappointed in me!
#6- A woman with a confident heart is at peace, and free to be full of passion and purse those passions. She draws others to herself.
Those are my thoughts, not sure if anyone will get to read them since I’m behind, but wanted to share anyways.
Thanks for sharing Lydia. I am behind too. We’ll catch up. But even if we don’t, what matters is that we are doing the study! My comments are below.
Thanks for sharing how you are starting to listen to the music in the mornings. I’ve been recently waking feeling defeated before I even get out of bed (feeling behind already b/c I hit snooze too much & didn’t wake up on time) and already start the day allowing the insecurities to take over. I need to stop that and music is a way to stop that. Earlier this year I woke up to the christian station playing and it was wonderful to wake up with praise music or christian music playing because it set the tone for the day. I probably felt less doubt and insecurity on those days. I am going to start playing music in the mornings too!
———————————–
“Describe how you felt or what you sensed God whisper as you listened to Chad’s Song of Prayer.” :
I was reading through comments and questions and worrying about whether someone will walk into my office now and see I’m not technically at lunch anymore. SO i didn’t get much from it other than the musical beauty (I love pianos!!) because I didn’t STOP and listen. I need to STOP and LISTEN and allow his still, quiet voice to speak to me…I think home will be better suited for that.
Share one or two of your answers to questions you feel comfortable sharing about from the end of Chapter 1:
3. Describe how it makes you feel when doubt whispers: “I can’t do this.” “Things will never change.” “My life isn’t going to get better.” “It’s too hard.” “I might as well quit.”:
weak, hopeless, anxious, scared, paralyzed, inept, suicidal, sad.
4. Describe what happens in your heart when you read God’s words:
encouraged, comforted, strengthened, relieved, soothed.
Jesus was reminding me that He is the lover of my soul, my companion, filling me with His love and grace. Refilling my empty love banks. Receiving His peace and a knowing He will always take care of me.. But it was His love i felt, His presence. He is Soo faithful….i just am having a hard time putting it all into words…
Thank you for sharing this miraculous song….
Beautiful song! It spoke to me Matthew 11:28…Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. As a mom to three little ones…what a sweet message. Rest.
What a blessing to hear this beautiful “Song Of Prayer” by Chad Lawson – I can only imagine how he felt playing this tune for our King- and the holy spirit just flowing through him for us to hear this angelic, peaceful, loving tune. I felt an extreme peace while listening to this, and a deep, deep feeling of being soothed by our Lord and Savior- as if he was trying to speak to me through this beautiful melody, letting me know everything will be okay-that He will always be there for me, He will never leave me. I felt joy in my heart-what a wonderful feeling. This is our Lord’s lullaby to us.
Chapter 1 question 3
Describe how it makes you feel when doubt whispers:
“I can’t do this” (I’m a Loser)
“My life isn’t going to get better” (Like Giving Up)
“It’s too hard” ( Just quit now )
“I might as well quit” (feel like walking away from life)
Chapter 1 question 4
Describle what happens in your heart when you read God’s words:
“Those who hope in me will not be disappointed” Isa.49:23
( I HAVE A CHANCE)
“See, I am doing a new thing!” Isa 43:19
(SOMETHING GOOD IS GOING TO COME FROM THIS)
“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
(GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ME)
“All things are possible to those who believe” Mark 9:23
(I NEED TO BELIEVE IN HIM AND IN MYSELF)
Chapter 1 question 5
What do you think hinders you most from living with God-confidence on a consistent basis?
(being judged by others, being hurt again, lack of trust)
These are the questions that reached out to me the most.
Renee I hope & pray for good results of Aster’s MRI.
Aloha from Hawaii xoxoxoxo!
Chad’s music is beyond words, and I felt everything. I think God’s presence is so strong in this beautiful beyond words musical conversation that it weaves into your being as you listen and begins to move through out everything that you are….I felt conviction for short coming and my sins of this day, and yet it was as if love was poured over this sins, slow like syrup. I felt warm sunshine and soft rain, all mixed together, I felt an urgency, and yet a peace, walking together; and I felt new young sunshine in early spring, warming my face, urging me to look heavenward…… I felt God and I felt loved. It was a beautiful beautiful way to end my day, as if God, my Father, rocked me to sleep in his embrace. Thank you.
Chad Lawson is amazing! I had the most awesome prayer time while listening to his music! Wow! I didn’t even answer the phone when my husband called because I did not want to be interrupted during such a beautiful time of worship! Thank you for sharing! Does the cd have more than just that one song? I want it!
As i sit here reading chapter 2, i have to ask myself the question have i let the gospel of God’s grace move from my head to my heart. No because i doubted that God loved me because of the hurt and pain. But i can truly say now that i am completely loved by God as the tears roll down my face
This has been a rough couple days, yesterday we went through some of my mom’s things. This was pretty emotional for everyone, she went home to heaven a few months ago. I miss her a lot! Today was stressful at work, trying to backtrack to figure out what a former consultant for the firm did a year and a half ago is tricky at best. But as I listened to Chad’s song a sense of peace slowly enveloped me. I was able to close my eyes, listen and relax, after a while I began to think a little clearer and thought about an aspect of the problem at work that hadn’t previously occurred to me. The Lord is so good the way he uses music to calm the mind and soul so that we can connect with him and hear his gentle prompting. Feeling blessed right now, thank you for sharing this song it is beautiful.
Diane, I really can’t imagine the thought of losing a mother… but please know that I’ll be praying for you. I know death isn’t always easy, and tears will come… but be encouraged by this. I lost my grandma about 2 months ago, the first time I’ve ever lost anyone close to me, and it was hard. But since that has happened, my parents both have going back to church after 10 years of not going anywhere… which is an answered prayer. Out of every bad situation… God can and will bring good things out from it. Praying for God just to outpour his love and peace and joy to your heart during this time in your life. God will help you through it! I’m here if you ever need to talk…
As I was listening to that Song of Prayer… I could just feel the presence of God and the tears would just start pouring. It was like I could sense Jesus whispering sweet peace to my heart and soul. Such a soothing sound, and just so peaceful.
Chapter 1 : Question # 5 – I wrote that I truly believe my feelings on those bad or sad days is what hinders me the most from living with God confidence. Feelings on those days were I’m tired, weary in body, sick, or just had a bad day at work tries to make me doubt my confidence in God. Emotions/Feelings are a big hinder to confidence in God. I’ll be honest with you, this season in my life right now all the promises listed under # 4 speak right to my heart. I’m currently in a season in my life where God has given me a promise a long time ago, 3 years ago; but I am still waiting on that promise to happen. I know it’s coming, and its coming soon! I believe and am placing my hope in God for he is doing a new things! I’m called and chosen, I am his beloved.
Chapter 1: Question #6 – I wrote, “I would describe a woman that has confident hearts as a woman who faces many trials and rough experiences in life; but has seen that God has been faithful every time. When doubt tries to creep in her mind to whisper, she discerns and stops and rebukes those thoughts right then and there, casting down imaginations, and doesn’t think about it again. She trust in God, and knows he will do exactly what he says he will. She is strong, and is a role-model. She not only believes in the God who saved her, but knows and believes and stands on His Word. She uses the Word when battles come, she fights all her battles on her knees. She prays, and seeks God’s face. Strong in faith, because she is taking time to hear from God in his Word.
“Describe how you felt or what you sensed God whisper as you listened to Chad’s Song of Prayer.”
Absolutely beautiful music. I felt a sense of serenity, peace and calm. And a Bible passage came to mind:
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
–Zephaniah 3:17
Then I wondered, “What song does the Lord sing over me?” Then an answer came to light…another verse:
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
–1 Peter 1:15-16
Then I imagined His singing over me as an impartation of His character, empowering me to be and do all that He calls me to each day.
————————————–
Also share one or two of your answers to questions you feel comfortable sharing about from the end of Chapter 1.
3. Describe how it makes you feel when doubt whispers: “I can’t do this.” “Things will never change.” “My life isn’t going to get better.” “It’s too hard.” “I might as well quit.”
–These things make me feel hopeless and foolish.
4. Describe what happens in your heart when you read God’s words:
–These words encourage, comfort, energize and excite my heart with hopeful anticipation to see what God will do.
thank you for sharing the verses the Lord shared with you. Zephaniah 3:17 :-). It’s humbling and encouraging that the LORD ALMIGHTY would sing over me! I love how you then connected that to 1 Peter. “I imagined His singing over me as an impartation of His character, empowering me to be and do all that He calls me to each day.” I love that image and most of all the truth behind it. I’m going to try to visualize this each morning or even during the day when I feel like a failure. He IS with me. He has given us HIS character, and HE was NOT anxious, fearful or doubtful! AMen!
Thank you and God bless you!
Beautiful! A peace came over me while I listened, a peace that passes all understanding. Thanks for sharing your talent Chad.
wow lots of great comments! It is so good that all of us share the same struggles. i loved the music! peaceful and calm and i have trouble sleeping so this really helps! Renee, i just got your correction e-mail that you sent the video of throwing away your confidence twice. Jesus wanted me to hear that video again, i was dwelling on how my dad’s girlfriend really hurt my feelings yesterday, and for as long as I’ve known her, she has always hurt my feelings. she has a very transparent personality, she can be nice one minute, really nasty the next. Yet, I know she’s this way, and I still let it bother me. I was so angry at myself that I let her bother me so much, and when I was reading the comments, I read one from someone who said, since, she’s started this study, she hasn’t let what people say and do hurt her feelings, when i read this, I felt ashamed of being so weak. I have a long way to go to have a confident heart! but I am really determined and god will help me! just reading the comments is overwhellming, as I’m reading, as we are all encourageing each other, I really sense god speak to my heart as I’m reading the comments, and I’m forced to be honest with myself, when I read the comments, i find so many women have the same struggles and fears that I have, some I’ve even forgotten about because I have been hiding them, and now, in this study, god is challening me to be honest with myself and with him! So, renee thank you! for this study! I’m not able to read the chapters, as I’ve explianed in earlier posts, i am blind and have this amazing computer with speech program, that reads everything on the screnn and does almost everything a regular computer does, except for a couple of things, when there are too many graphics on a web site or e-mail, the speech software won’t read the text, and I found when I tried to download the book, it isn’t a word file, and i thought my program didn’t like p.d.f. files, now, this week, my computer teacher informs me that my program can read p.d.f. files, so, she gave me some instructions to use some key stroke commands, but you know, i’m still really able to participate in this study a lot. Renee, a lot of the women talk about what their favourite pages in chapters are, so, i feel like I know a lot of the book. I get your e-mails. I listen to your videos. I read the comments, and am able to put comments, however, I still hope I can dowload the book, I hope there is another change to have this for free, I’m going to wait and pray for that opportunity because I am on a fixed income. another thing, I loved to hear a lot of the comments, about the music picturing being with Jesus, a lot of times, i try to hard to picture things in my mind, when I try to hard, it doesn’t work, So, I just say very peaceful calming music and in the beginning, when the music is really quiet, I think of the verse be stil and know that I am God.
What a beautiful song, as I sit here and let the music carry me away, I can envision a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes as I hear from God speaking to me. This song transcends time and place and sends you to a place of peace and relaxation.
6) How would I describe a woman with a confident heart? .. A woman who “looks” like she has it all together. She is well dressed keeps a tidy schedule , knows who she is and where the things are she will need at any given time. Who is never down – at least around others and is always with a smile.