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}
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{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.
Even as God takes care of the sparrow, He takes care of me!
The night our father was killed during a car accident, my brother and I drove the 5 hour trip by ourselves. As we got close to our parents’ home there is this hill in the rural road where you can see for miles and miles; both distant and close farm lights, hear cows mooing, distant dogs’ barks. The sky was perfectly clear and stars were shining bright. As many times as our family had traveled this county road over the years, it was this night of mourning that made my brother just stop the vehicle and get out of the car. He walked a few paces. As i rolled down the window, I could hear him mumbling something. This music made me think how great it would have been to have this playing while we stopped; memories flooding our minds amidst the sorrow. My brother got back in the car and said he had a little conversation with God. “If He wanted to take Dad this way right now today, I’d accept it but i’m not happy about it”. I believe if I’d had this lovely piece of music right there with us, it would have been the perfect accompaniment to the peaceful early fall night.
That was such a beautiful piece of music. If feels you with God’s presence, peace, grace and love. I enjoyed every minute of it and will listen to it several more times.
In the very beginning I just wanted to burst into tears (But i held them back because i’m at work listening to this). I sensed God saying be still and just release. About 14 mins into it I felt like I met God– for picnic on a breezy sunny day. We just sit there under the tree watching the kids play in a meadow (I’m divorced– I have 3 kids) I was then joined with someone by God ( marriage) I don’t know who but we laid there on our backs holding hands while watching the kids still playing. About 22 min into it I felt hopeful. I want to make every day count like never before. About 25 mins into it I wanted to cry but not tears of sadness this time but tears of joy. About 31 min near the very end i felt encourage– hopeful, full of joy. At the end I feel i can do anything. Amazing piece.. wonderful pianist. Thank you 🙂
Praise GOD from whom ALL Blessings flow!!
I”m so touched that God is pursuing me in this way and at this time when I feel so ill prepared to be a new wife, stepmom and mom. My confidence has been eroded with every conflict with the birth mother and my worries jump far ahead into the future about how to “fix” what is dysfunctional with my husband and his ex.
God wants me to trust him and believe him that he’s got this!! I don’t have to be nailed to the cross and suffer to make this all right for my family. I only need to give it to him and trust him as he bears the burdens, releases them to the grave and raises us up as a family to a new life in him. Priase the Lord for his holiness and that all things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.
Everything I am and everything I hope to be, is all wrapped up in the Will of the Father and he has good plans for me. All the pain and suffering, the learning to let go and trust- it’s all for his glory. He’s smiling at me now as he holds me in his arms and assures me everything will be just fine.
Thank you for sharing that:). Very peaceful…
I felt gods presence wash over the busyness of my day….be still…I am near…slow down…take this in….stop striving…rest in my presence…I am all that you need…so beautiful…thank you for doing this song and for this study.
Wow! stop striving…just rest. how beautiful to know God will lead us through the valley of the shadow of doubt to green pastures…we don’t have to do it all by ourselves!
To be 60 and have lived and survived all I have is a true blessing as well as testiment God loves me…these days I am faced with things that shake me and cause me to come to a halt… no forward motion…I feel in adequate in life … I have never felt like this… I was hurt at age 3 left with physical limitations, I am a cancer survivor, became a widow at 58 lost my daddy 4 months later
and none of that rocked me like this…. I hear WAIT a lot… I hear YOU WILL RECEIVE
I hear be patient … I hear Walk with me…. but I feel lost…I am sure human feelings are involved, and pray for Gods Way to be apparent to me soon… Yes I know, in HIS TIME : )
Wow loved this music. It was so peaceful. It closed my eyes at one moment, and felt like I was walking in the whole-ways of heaven. The song really makes you numb away the pain; stops those nagging, condeming-critical statements that often rings loud in my soul.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful prayer and song. I have read this prayer everyday since Friday at least twice a day. My spirit has felt stronger with each time I have read it. I also love the song…it is so peaceful. I also downloaded it on ITunes.
I know that even when I doubt I can fully rely on God to pull me out. When my daughter and son-in-law were adopting – they had several let downs in the process and just as a new baby was born and they were notified. their baby was being born ..my daughter begin the doubt was afraid they young mom would change her mind…. and the Lord gave me the words to tell her “don’t open the door of doubt the devil” So when I start doubting I remember the words he gave me to give to her. “Don’t Open the Door of Doubt to the Devil”. This helps me tremendously… I am not a big doubter – but more insecure to step out, to say and do the Lords will and work. – so that’s where my doubts come in to me from mostly thru my insecurities.
I love the music… is helped me to write this… so thank you!
I was FINALLY able to listen to this song peacefully last night before bed. I had such a tender and intimate journey while listening that I am almost hesitant to share the details…like I want to ponder it in my own heart and just accept it 🙂 I felt like the moment the music began, that He held out His hand to me and then He took me through my life up until this point. It was amazing, because the music went perfectly along to everything at the precise moment that He began a new chapter in the journey. There was a lot of water…purifying water that at times was peaceful and at times stormed and was overwhelming. Towards the end, I had this picture of myself lying in a hospital bed all hooked up to wires and He stood in the doorway looking at me with such love in His eyes. My heart whispered to Him that I had but only a little strength left but if I could just touch His hem….and He came to me very slowly and began taking the wires off of me and unplugging all of the devices…and stroking my head and cheek…and then He pulled me to my feet all the while breathing His life back into me through His presence and then the music literally began beating like a heartbeat sounds on a life support machine when it’s speeding up! It was my life and strength coming back to me, and as I stood up He called me darling and said, “You couldn’t have died even if you tried” and then we began to rise and He said, “Come away with me My beloved!” There was so much more to it, but that was the most vivid and intense part….it seems like I am describing a dream, but I was wide awake and it was just so comforting 🙂
Very peaceful.
WOW! I could literally feel my spirit move from the chaos of a busy day to peace. Thank you for sharing!
What a beautiful piece of Music and as you watch him play the JOY from within just flows through. This Bible study, the Ladies, the beautiful music and especially you, Renee and your book, A Confident Heart have simply Blessed me since I found you.
Felt peace move over me as I listened. Maybe a confident heart is truly possible for me. Thanks be to God for His pursuit of me. Thank you and bless you for ministering to me.
A friend referred me to take the online study and to purchase the book by Renee, so I did.
At this time in my life my ministry was taken away and I was left standing; lost and confused and not sure what just happened. I was beginning to doubt my purpose, my calling, myself..
Chapter One. Self-Doubt… Hit the nail on the head at just the right time.
So as I prayed and seek GOD on thi;s He revealed it is a time to soak and rest in HIM.
I am a doer… I don’t know what it is like to just stand, so this makes it a battle in its own.
One of my to -do’s is to learn Piano. Yet another blessing by Renee to share Chad’s awesome notes of worship. I am at work and I am playing it over and over… 🙂
I look forward to chapter 2 tonight!!!
Blessed to be equally yoked with you through Christ.
I have been given the ability to be a slightly unorganized “organized” perfectionist, and I feel my life has been fragmented. I was raised a Catholic and worked at a Presbyterian Church, raised and greatly influenced by the Catholic Church, my mom, grandma and sister. I realized I was missing a “personal” relationship with my creator. Over the past year have put together a morning pray –my quiet time, which concludes with a prayer originally from A Confident Heart which I have altered slightly to fit my morning conversation with God. I too am always looking for more time to quiet my mind and focus my thoughts. I could use some inspiring music for meditation on my journey. Yesterday this piece of music has done just that –thank you.
Here is my altered “Confident Heart” morning prayer which I use to close my morning prayer, for anyone who would like to incorporate it into their prayers:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts. When concerns consume me, remind me that You are with me, holding me by my right hand and guiding me with Your counsel. I want to seek You as much as I serve You and others. Help me balance my life and give my burdens to You, knowing with confidence that You care about me and are good at taking care of me! I ask these things in Jesus’ precious name. Amen. (See Psalm 139:23; 73:23–26) –From A Confident Heart, with alterations.
Dear Renee, I tried to download Song of prayer at iTunes and Amazon but this service is not available for my country. Is there any other way to buy it?
From the very moment it started I felt peace. After reading that i would receive i expected to feel peace and that is exactly what God gave me through this beautiful music. After some time i looked at what time it was and heard “Yes it may be late but I will take care of you. Give me your worries and fears. Let it all go and enjoy this moment.” So that is what i am doing 🙂 thank you for this moment Lord!
I’m generally not a fan of this kind of music. I listened to it to see what God would say. I was drawn in almost immediately. I didn’t think I would be captivated for an entire 30 minutes. God calmed me with the peacefulness of the piece. I was so blessed. There were moments where I was crying, laughing and just relaxing. A million thoughts were running through my mind but God was talking to me despite them. The picture that the music brought to mind was of a meadow and a young girl in a dress just twirling in pleasure in the sun, fresh air and beauty of the place. It was like God was telling me I could be free like her if I just come to Him and rest in His peace. I also pictured her walking along a brook.
God has been freeing me of so many hindrances. He has been calling me to fall in love with Him. The last picture I saw was a man and a woman walking hand-in-hand. They were in love and enjoying one another’s company. In a way, I sensed that God was using this picture to represent what He wants in my relationship with Him. I am excited where this journey will take me – will take us.
Loved the piano prayer – made me think of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness – never ending and never changing. And also reminded me of a sentence in the 3rd chapter “until God’s love is enough, nothing else will be.” Both just a beautiful reminder of His love.
eases the pain away….like a gentle breeze. Thank you for this gift.
My peace I give to you, not as the world gives… so be of good cheer! I have overcome the world and you will too. Your latter days shall be greater than your former but you must trust me.. be still… listen… trust me… know I have begun a good work in you and I will finish it… be still and know.. all things are possible through Me… Trust me….
Peaceful,like the quiet after the storm.It was as if God was speaking through the song,right to my heart.An incredible wave of love washed over me.I have never heard anything so beautiful before.Truly amazing!
Thank you Renee!
more tears of Gods love. God has definately been touching my spirit recently and that was beautifull to listen to. So much peace, gentle flowing and had ” his waves washing over me”. So great to be in Gods presence.
I am so glad i have made more time to get into Gods word through the proverb 31 ministries and all the really good stuff you have to share.
I am learning to enjoy life again! To appreciate creativity and all he has for me.
Praise and glory to Father God!
What a lovely background for meditation, mindfulness practice, prayer, worship or even creative work. With a world filled with too many stimulants, I’m always searching for time to quiet my mind and focus my thoughts. Thanks so much for sharing.
Though I am still on this road to a “confident heart,” I have memorized John 10:10!!!! I do not want my thoughts to be robbed of what JESUS has done for me!!!! Thanks Renee.
Remember,
ICE is Is CHRIST enough???? : ) Knowing JESUS certainly will not fill my bank account, give me a new car, clothes; give me a prestigious job or more $$$$ but JESUS gives us so much more. Thanks for the MUSIC Renee.
Makes me feel like I am Home, in His arms…I don’t want the song to end. 🙂
As a woman wearing many hats and I know lots of woman like me…we don’t take the time to just sit and rest as God has told us to do…to meet Him there, so He can talk to us. This piece of music is just for that. To refresh your soul and let God talk to you. Thank you Renee for opening your heart to listening to God and writing this book and inviting us along for the journey. Bless you and all who are on the journey with you.
Love, tranquility, happiness, and most of all God’s presence. I am a person who is constantly on the go, taking care of everyone around me, making sure they get where they need to be, when they need to be, have what they need to have when they need to have it, making everyone happy around me and often times forgetting how to be happy myself. This music reminded me that I too need to be happy and God is there to help me be happy, I just have to take the time for Him like I do everyone else, take the time for both Him and I. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful piece, a special moment, and helping create a beautiful peace!
Renee, I’m so than.kful for all the people that you know. This song is beautiful….I will purchase and play. There’s a part in there that seems like it says–when you’re running (to and from, only God knows), God is running right along side you. Guess that makes me think, “…He will never leave nor fasake” us. Thank you, again, for sharing.
His music made me think and feel like I was in Paradise. Very peaceful…
Such peace, and comfort… a time for my mind to rest, open up and speak to God so freely! This is such a blessing to me as my mind is so often busy with the cares of the day… this is a ‘brain break’ a time to truly stop and praise… amen!
The first time I listened I felt so at peace … found myself listening again and again this weekend. Just poured a cup of coffee and listened again… in this Song of Prayer the Lord is whispering to me “Come rest in my presence and I will fill you with the joy and peace only I can give…open your heart to my Holy Spirit and you shall be renewed.”
I enjoyed the peace and stillness of the first few minutes. Then, the music began to swell. It seems like God does this is me. I take time to listen and hear Him speak and then His word makes my heart swell.
the song is so tranquil and natural. A song to think by and pray by. To know this is what he was doing as he plays is such a neat encouragement
To me it was a Song of Deliverance .. a reminder that He is with us all the time. A beautiful piece of music from a talented young man. I loved his little smiles as he received inspiration from the Holy Spirit.
My first thought was peace. It makes me think of Jesus saying “Come away and be with Me”. In some circles it would be called “soaking music”. It is a time to leave the cares of the world behind and come into the presence of God and rest in His love.
Peace. I can have peace knowing my confidence comes from Him.
My soul was simply quieted. Still my soul be still!
I can picture my Lord smiling at me. He says gently, you are my beloved, you are my daughter. I stand in awe of God, his magesty. His mercy, his love, joy fills my soul. I needed this today. Blessings Diana
Oh wow! What an amazingly peaceful moment I can experience in listening to this song. Even laying in bed with my children who majorly fight sleep, I can experience God’s overwhelming peace. We are all SO incredibly blessed to have been given this unique opportunity, to hear and sense God’s peace with us. Thank you! Thank you so much! “My peace, be with you! It’s never that far – I’m never that far. Right here, in your moments, in every second, I’m here. Come to me and be with me and I will give you ‘this’ peace.” Thank you Lord 🙂
This song is beautiful in so many ways. It was so relaxing and peaceful to me, to me it send the message to not worry about anything, God will take care of everything. The louder music to me represented the ‘storms’ we often go through in life but they were always followed by quieter sounds, when we handed those storms over and relied on God solely to get us through.
I also got the message to take time and dive into God’s word each and every day. It seems like I do good for a while and life just gets busy but this peacefulness I feel now….God is telling me once I got to know his word…I could feel like this all of the time.
Amazing, I will be sharing this with others.
Absolutely beautiful and it came from his heart….that was a beautiful worship exerience.
Be still and know that I am God…
What a blessing this song has been to my heart.
You can tell it is of the Holy Spirit by the peacefulness. Thank you for sharing!
As I listened to the music, I also picked up my Bible and began to read Psalms as this is an online course that I am taking and God lead me to those beautiful verses that showed His mercy in our times of trouble and of sorrow – the music seemed to mimic the verses that I was reading and brought comfort, solace and even encouragement to the verses. Those verses of quietness were magnified with the “sounds” of the stream as it ran through the meadows or the mountains described in the Scripture. Those a little more intense, came at a time when David was crying to the Lord because of his enemies chasing him, laughing and scoffing him but always the quietness of God came through to comfort him and the same came with the softness of the music as it transitioned from one to another. Praise God that He speaks to us through His word and through this beautiful and comforting music that shows His mercies, His goodness, His strength, and His glory.
As I listened to Chad’s song, I felt the Spirit saying, “I am with you. Right there. Right now. I am not somewhere in a far away place. Be still and be with Me. That is what I want — to be with you. I love you. I love being with you, and I want you to be with me, too.”