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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

The Power of Praying God’s Promises

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.

Yes, even if it seems weird. Find somewhere you can be alone to speak these truths so you can hear them, and let them echo in your thoughts.

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 join our hearts and pray Chapter One’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 FREE Gift & GiveAway}

 

Chad Lawson, my friend, award-winning composer and pianist, has graciously shared his beautiful, Spirit-filled Song of Prayer below. 

Even though it will probably be hard at first to sit still and just listen, please pause to soak in this God-gift.  This was filmed while Chad sat and listened to the Holy Spirit. He simply played what God laid on his heart. You’ll see the joy of Christ in Chad’s smile but more than anything, you will experience the peace of God’s presence through his music.

If you’re reading this via email please click here to visit my website to watch. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this – I promise.

You can find and download A Song of Prayer on iTunes for  ($1.99) or Amazon ($.89)

{Special 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.

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.

Comments

  1. Beautiful! I have confidence in Christ and removed my self doubt. I am growing in my relationship with Christ!

  2. Incredible! Brings these lyrics to my heart…’Bowing here I find my rest…Lord, I need you, oh I need you…Every hour I need you, my one defense, my righteousness…Oh God, how I need you’

  3. Peace and Rest. Beauty and spacious surroundings. Calm. Healing. Soothing. Contemplative. Listening and receiving. Pure. Beckoning. A safe place to rest.

  4. Ok, I’ve already commented once but I just want to say that this song is absolutely perfect. I teach and I have about 7 boys and 1 girl that are constantly fighting and arguing and talking about how “stupid” they are. There attention spans are almost non-existent . I have been searching for Christian music to play in my room that was piano based. As a musician myself, I find piano music so calming. But I’ve wanted piano music that wasn’t just piano music. I wanted it to be God-centered. And this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful and perfect. I can’t wait to see the effect I am sure it will have in my classroom!

  5. Wow, the Song of Prayer just brought a peace over me and a stillness. It made me happy, I found myself smiling with Chad. I felt God’s delight in me and in his children. I feel that he loves when we pour out our hearts to him and our gifts. I was encouraged to spend more time doing just that. Thank you for sharing this. Also, after I read the devotional for today I smiled as faith arose in my heart after hearing God’s word spoken even from my own mouth :). Thank you for the tips

  6. Feeling like that is what it will feel like in Heaven when we are all there worshiping together. The beauty of the love of Christ flowing in and over us!

  7. As I was scrolling down to the bottom of this page to add my comment I thought to myself, “wow, it’s nice to see I’m not the only insecure person.” But then I thought, “ok, actually, not so much. This is really pretty sad.” It’s sad that so many women (and some men I’m sure) have lost or have never even found their worth in Christ because of Satan. I, myself, am watching my marriage slowly deteriorate because of my insecurities. If I don’t some how get out of the stronghold I have been in, I just don’t even know what I’m going to do. I was just thinking this on my way home from a very quiet dinner with my husband. Quiet because i’m so preoccupied with the other women around me that he might find attractive and because of him knowing I’m “going there again”. I don’t know how to get out if this vicious cycle. But I was just praying that God would somehow help me get out of it. I’m so tired of making the conscious decision to let this consume my thoughts (and listening to lies) instead of choosing to enjoy the moment and who I’m with. I need this study so much right now. Thank you for doing thus with “us”! I am looking forward to what God is going to do in my life and be a witness to what he does in others’ lives as well! :0)

  9. Chad’s Song of Prayer, made me feel that the LORD, was saying be still my child and lean on me.
    The LORD, wants to wrap His arms around us and let us know that he is with us at ALL times.
    Just as the saying about the footprints in the sand -“it was then, that I carried you”. Chad’s song, has made me feel the LORD’s presence and I can rest knowing He is holding me.
    We are so blessed to have found this site and to able to study and hear God’s word!!!
    Bless you all and Renee may the Lord bless you in so many ways.

  10. I hear God’s peace calling me. I play piano, rather I used to many years ago. Not so much anymore. But I love this calling me to quiet myself and listen to God’s Words. Talking to me and telling me how much he loves me and wants me to have a confident heart. To put all my faith in Him and to know Him. I have wanted to give Him my all for many years and I didn’t know how to do that. I think this study on a confident heart is helping me to realize my desire, wish, and dreams. Thank you , Renee.

  11. I have no ear buds……..at the library………..sure wish I could hear it. I need it today…………I am sure it is beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.Lord you know who needs this the most.
    Blessings to all!

  13. I feel that it brings me in closer to God. As the music descends it is like life and how easily I can be pulled away from God by society and everything wrong in the world. As the music ascends it is God pulling me back to him and how powerful he is to pull me back to him and enclose me safely in his love.

  14. I am truly enjoying the study. This is my second time around reading A Confident Heart but the first time doing the study.
    I took the spiritual gifts test but when it comes to finding out what my gifts are I dont’ understand how to find out. Can someone please help me with that? Do I add the columns? I don’t see how that will tell me my answer.

    Pam

    • Hi Pam
      May I ask what spiritual gift test did I miss something. I hope not, I have been helping a friend deal with her 22 year old daughter with mental problems and have not been to keen on keeping up the last couple days. T really don’t think I have any gifts at least that what I have been told.. Is there a way I can take this test. U always fail test in school LOL.

  16. Thank you for sharing A song of Prayer, by Chad Lawson. I found myself totally wrapped in the arms of my God who sees me so differently than I do. I praise God through the chapters in this book and all that I read and are shared by others, that I will be that confident woman and daughter of Christ. Praise God!

  17. I could hear Him whipser…”don’t listen to the lies in your head….know that I love you, you are mine….I knew you before you were born, I set you apart”…

    Then I heard the melody in the music, “What a friend we have in Jesus”…what a friend indeed

  18. Peace. I felt his peace…..so relaxing, too!!! and calming!!!

    Psalm 46:10~”Be Still and Know I am God”

  19. Love the Bible study.Thank you Lord for that and the work you will accomplish in me,through it.
    As I listened to the music video I not only felt God’s peace but I felt His presence surrounding me. It was amazing.

  20. How awesome to be led of God and just flow in the Spirit. Thanks for the blessing and the prayer was exactly what I need to pray to banish the doubt and insecurities and keep trust in God.

  21. Awesome- Praise God I was truly blessed by this Song Of Prayer What great things Our Lord will and has done for us. I pray that God will continue to Bless this awesome gift that Chad has been given to led others into Worship

  22. just felt instant serenity, harmony, like absorbing, enhaling and meditating on the beauty of nature…I think this song would go along perfectly with a video clip of amazing nature shots from all over the whole in order to be able to enjoy also visually the beauty that God has created. And once in a while I stop in ‘aww’ of what kind of amazing pieces of music can come out just out of the same 7 notes…this would be yet another example!….thank you for sharing it with us.

  23. I am really enjoying this bible study. It’s really stirring something up inside of me, it’s a good thing. I have struggled with over eating for a very long time. I have been asking God to reveal to me why? I want to bring that “why” to Him where true healing happens. I’m tired of losing and gaining. When I read the Forward of this book, I was and still am that little girl that was longing for her Daddy to pick her up and swing her around and tell me I’m special. I’m now realizing its Christ that supplies our deep needs of love, acceptance, identity, security, and purpose for my life. As I learn to walk closer with God and my relationship grows deeper, my soul can rest. As I listened to this CD, I felt God say, “Be still and know that I AM.”

  24. Listing to the song uplifts my heart. I have experienced several situations that have rocked me, finding myself trying to fce and fix the problems alone. Forgetting to slow down and talk to God is what a need to practice daily. Thank you to all for your words of encouragement.

  25. This is absolutely beautiful and soothing. I love listening to this type of music as it allows us to focus and meditate on God’s Word. As I sat here listening my daughter and I were talking about things going on in their lives. Right now they are having to totally depend on God as they struggle through a financial crisis. She made the statement that they will make it through as long as they continue to focus on God and His leadership. We can struggle through life or we can choose to rely on God’s strength.

  26. Wow God Im so embellished in Your love, Your presence. Thank You Father God for loving me with this beautiful song, I love to sit in Your presence I seek Your beautiful face. For In Your presence Lord I find
    my refuge, love, security, confidence, my significance I am whole in Your presence lacking nothing. All the brokenness has been healed, In Your presence Lord I am whole without any pain, without any hang ups that keep me from Your face. Thank You Lord for this servant who has listened and obeyed You to play
    Your music to fill me Lord with Your love.

  27. I have just been so very blessed by listening to Chad lawson playing the Song of Prayer.Time seemed to stand still and at same time not wanting it to end. Sitting still and closing my eyes to drink in the poetry of the music. Much earlier as my day was just beginning I read through Psalm 23 and wrote down a few words from scripture to guide me into the day ahead.. ‘ He restores my soul..’ Now much later on, the beauty of the piano music has played another part in restoring my soul. I did not realise just how much or how deep the restoring of my soul, was needed.A word from Scripture and a song from the Holy Spirit have helped me along the way. Reading through the many comments from all you wonderful women of God also serves to strengthen and restore me too.
    Thankyou and Amen

  28. I’m glad you preceeded this with, “it may be hard to sit still and listen, but….” I need to sit still this morning, thank you for sharing!
    I love spending time with the Lord, listening has been more important to me in the last couple years…
    Lord, teach me to sit still — and listen– more!

  31. A great way to “quiet”, to “be still & know that He IS God!” & the end inspires to engage in God’s plans for me! Thanks for sharing!

  33. Such a beautiful sense of peace and wholeness felt through this song. Simply beautiful whispers of love for life and the beauty that surrounds me. Deep inner peace and calm…as I close my eyes and fully take it all in. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful blessing.

  34. Initially, very hard to sit still long enough to take it in. As I listened the music washed over me like a wave of peace, and hope, and God was saying to me “TRUST me”. Trust is so hard for me. Beautiful. Downloading this today. Thank you for sharing with us.

  36. It was an awakening! I saw God creating the world and felt His laughter and joy at His creation. Then felt His sorrow through our struggling, saw His hand held out to us. Acceptance of His way, pleasure in the path and sadness again during a time of wandering. Reconnecting and trusting in the following and release of efforts. A lovely journey into a full grown relationship that is finally complete.

  37. Thank you for sharing. I can’t even put into words the overwhelming loss of confidence that I have now. and I always been a strong woman. I do need to slow down listen more, even when it seems hopeless

  38. As I began listening to Chad’s Song of Prayer, I didn’t realize how long it was. As I was recently reading through a 2013 Scripture calendar given to me, I came across Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce, So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.” (NAS). To me, part of the first of my produce is my time. Hence, I settlled in and listened to the song in its entirety–leaving after the first fifteen minutes would have been like walking away from an intimate moment with the Lord. While listening, as some of the notes lent a “tinkling” sound, in my mind’s eye, I saw gentle raindrops falling from heaven nourishing the earth. The Scripture that accompanied this picture was John 4:10 when Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” This beautiful Spirit-given song will be added to my IPod. I anticipate listening to it again and again as I allow God’s peace to be poured over me and as I meditate upon His Word. Thank you, Renee, for including this in our study. The Lord has surely visited me this morning.

    • When I first started to listen I felt a rumbling like on the inside. Then at different times words would come up. Some very similar to what I have already read, so I know it’s Holy Spirit!!! “Spring up O well with my soul. holy Spirit flow out of me–gush out like that water from the flinty rock. O precious is the flow that makes me white as snow–No other fount I know, Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. Then I heard Kim, Do not be afraid any longer to come before menaced. Do not be ashamed. I will cover you after I have removed every seed of an unwanted root the enemy has planted and I will put in my healing oil and you will drink of my wine that refreshes and you will be healed forever. I come to you unmasked Father–You come and pick me up and wrap me in Your robe–royal purple robe. The I get like Martha and get distracted by things around me and I feel that tug to come back and sit at your feet like Mary. And I refocus again on You. I at times feel the pounding water that washes away all the dirt and stains of life, then there’s the lighter touch of refreshing water that does just that refreshes–renews–restores and the warmth of the sun/Son is felt.” How I thank You Precious Father for continuing to call and pursue me and want me to come to You and sit on Your lap and be loved and hugged by “Daddy”. It’s been a long time since I was hugged by an Earthly Daddy, but I’m so thankful my Heavenly Father still does. I love the Word of God. Holy Spirit I want to experience MORE of You.

  40. Amazing song. Music has the power to move the spirit. I studied music therapy I’m college, and see how Gods constructed out physiological and psychological parts to biologically respond to music in a way that nothing else can. As I listened, God showed me how he is the only constant in my life, from the moment I was born until my final breath. He is with me always, weaving the Holy Spirit in all of my moments. It is my choice to be receptive to Him, and when I am, the joy that overwhelms regardless of circumstance will enter my soul. Thanks Chad for sharing your spirit and the talent that God has given to you.

  41. In March 2000 God called me to speak. My lack of confidence has kept me from answering that call. Praying that through studying God’s word and praying God’s truth He will give me the confidence to do what He has called me to do and He will be glorified!!

  42. What a blessing. ABBA Father, You are Holy and worthy of praise! The sense of worth and love from the notes and the rests that flowed through Chad by The Holy Spirit reminded me of the assurance I have in Christ my Lord!

    Thank you Renee & Chad for sharing. So beautiful!

  45. Sorry this is so long but it is what took place as I listened to this beautiful piece. God’s words are in quotation. A conversation between Him and I. Thank you for this as I would have not taken the time to do this today and it is one of the things i need to do more often. I pray for all the everyone here. May we all take the time to stop and truly listen to God’s whispers.

    “Be still”- I can’t I’m afraid – “stop running from what I have given within you, Stop long enough to feel who you are” I don’t know who I am, When I think I have figured it out something happens and it changes – ” It doesn’t change, you are growing, your are getting stronger, you are becoming more like me” – Really God is that true? – “Yes you hurt because you fear what others will say about you when all you need to remember that it is I who loves you and knows you and does not judge you” I know God but I live with these people, they are here, I interact with them you are not – I am with you, always, within you, I whisper to you daily yet you do not hear. Do not really on physical, that does not last. You are an example of who you are because you choose to believe in me, you choose to trust in me, you choose to love, that is what matters” – Thank you God I forget so easily, my fears overtake me. – ” You have nothing to fear for I am with you always.” Thank you God when I choose to spend time with you, to listen to your words, to listen to others who seek you, to your children whom are just like me, I do feel your peace. I do feel it will be ok. I just haven’t been doing it consistently if at all and it has been so bad. I am sorry. – ” I was always there. I am always waiting for you , I will always love you, I do not way you to hurt, to suffer. Remember my promises. Follow my word experience my joy for you. You are an amazing person whom I admire and smile when I think about. Your faith is sufficient you see. Think back and see, I do not break my promises.” – God I thank you for not giving up on me, I thank you for taking care of me despite my terror (fear is not strong enough God) I pray to you to help me change. Help radiate with your light, your gentleness. Please please take away my judgmentalness, my selfishness, my self centerdness. – ” Remember my little girl that you are not perfect so do not be so harsh on yourself. I know your heart. remember those who ask according to my will will receive but you need to ask. You don’t ask. ” God why can’ you just take it away just like that? Why does it have to be such a struggle” If I took it away just like that you wouldn’t seek me so diligently first of all, secondly remember there is the enemy who fights a great battle on earth and fights fiercely for your spirit, to rob you. But my word is stronger. Focus on my word on my promises and remember there will be a day when you longer have to struggle so” – Oh God I await that day eagerly. I long to be with you and sometimes, no, most times I just want to go now. I don’t want to play this game of life on earth any more, it all seems so pointless. – ” You re right, the things of this earth are meaningless, they do fill you, they do not matter but here are people who do matter and whom can come to me through you.” – Oh God my heart aches and tears come as I think of such a huge responsibility and my feeling of unworthiness and inability to be such an example.- ” Oh my little girl you are so wrong. It is because you are who you are, because you are just like all my children that you can be such an example. It is because you seek me, it is because you try, it is because you do desire to be such an example that others will see me through you” – Oh GodI hope that what I am hearing is true. That it is not what I am making up, what I want to hear. – ” You see you doubt, stop. Remember words those are not from me. Trust. Deep inside you know it is from me. Your need to perfect makes you stumble. You are my little girl whom I love dearly. Allow me to live through you, allow me to be the physical Me whom people need like you do. This is why I sent you Lisa and the man you waited for.” – God I go forth and continue this great fight. Thank you. I pray for the strength to get our of my own way, to refute the attempts of satan. I pray for humility. I love you God. – ” I love you too my little girl.

    • Thank you for sharing this….it was like God was speaking this to me while I read your conversation. I needed this…I am still learning to hear His voice…clearly…this helped. Blessings to you Sister.

    • Thank you for your honest prayer. I think these things, try and not feel them and certainly don’t write them down. I need to feel them and get to the other side of the pain so I can walk away from it. I too read this while listening to the music.

  46. I am deaf due to spinal meningitis. I love music and believe feeling it is a much deeper form of hearing. I played the music on my iPad and turned up the volume. The music played on my chest and I could feel it with my beating heart. I loved how the Holy Spirit spoke to me and brought me much peace. I am facing major surgery this week and have no fear for I know God is with me. I am thankful for the peace in my heart and how God has blessed me through music this beautiful day. his promises are real and awesomely beautiful. Thanks fr the study and blessings of grace.

  47. Before I listened to this, my mind was in utter turmoil…full of emotional stress…but this beautiful compilation of anointed melodies put my mind at ease. It took me on a journey of peace, just away in 32 minutes from what I’ve been allowing to stress me out for what seems like a lifetime. God blessed me in just listening to this. Thank you Renee for sharing.

  49. Thank you so much for just forcing me to sit still and listen. I experienced Gods presence and meditated on Ps 139. Very inspirational.

  50. First thought is no way can I listen to soft piano music for 32 minutes. But I intend to try, as I can see how this will help with quite worship, this will slow me down not to rush through my devotional each day. Although I know I cannot realistically do 32 minutes each morning, I can certainly do this at least once a week. This will help me put all God’s wonderful and precious promises in my heart and mind. I’ve been keeping a written notebook of special verses God has spoken to me and this song will be a great tool to help me meditate on those promises!