For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ~Hebrews 4:12
I love this verse! It reminds me of the power of the word of God. God’s word is alive: there is power behind it. God can open his mouth and speak a world and creatures into existence. If he makes a promise in His word, He will fulfill it. When we read Scripture, it has the power to transform.
God’s word is active; it isn’t dead. God isn’t dead. It is a Living Word. When we speak it, read it, pray it… it is working, moving, transforming, shaping, teaching, loving, healing….
Contrast God’s word to other words, and words in other books. When we read great literature, for example, the words are interesting, beautiful, and even powerful- and can affect us in some way. But if even the words we speak have power (“The tongue has the power of life and death… Proverbs 4:12), imagine the power behind God’s word. It is unfathomable, and brings about life-altering change.
One of the most powerful ways to pray is to pray God’s word. Just simply pray God’s word back to Him. In the midst of prayer, or afterward, you may find it leading you to different words, or an altered heart and mind attitude. You may find an answer or a new thought regarding a particular situation. You may find a renewed sense of hope. You may experience healing.
Sometimes, we don’t know how to pray, or what to say. In those cases, pray God’s word back to Him. We can learn how to pray by praying God’s word and studying how Jesus prayed.
Alive. Active. That is God, and God’s word.
If you are observing Lent (or anytime), and spending some intentional time in prayer and seeking God, remember this: His word is alive and it is active. God is still working, listening, and responding. That is some good news for today.
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