Jacob’s Example of Prayer
If we break down Jacob’s prayer we will find these seven points that can be helpful in our prayer life as well! Contemplate these elements of prayer. What areas are solid in your communication with God? In what areas can you be more intentional with?
Spend some time looking up the verses in bold at the end of each section and meditate on God’s Word.
■ Praise God.
Jacob directly addressed God in prayer (32:9a).
Acknowledge your relationship with God and say what is true about Him.
Psalm 62:1-2; Matthew 6:9; John 11:41; Acts 4:24
■ Remember God’s Word.
Jacob intentionally prayed God’s command and promise back to Him (Genesis 32:9b with 31:3,13).
Repeat the promises in God’s Word over and over, which are truer than your fear or doubts.
Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 40:11; Proverbs 3:1-3; Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:24
■ Confess your sin and unworthiness.
Jacob was aware that he had no right to God’s blessing and acknowledged God’s blessing, despite his sinfulness (32:10a).
God answers prayer because of His mercy, not our worthiness. Confess your utter dependence on God and specific sin in full confidence of God’s grace.
Psalms 51:1-4; 103:10-12; Daniel 9:9, 18; Luke 18:9-14
■ Thank God for past mercies.
Jacob recounted God’s undeserved kindness and faithfulness to him (32:10b.)
A thankful heart always strengthens faith. Recounting God’s record of faithfulness gives confidence in present and future struggles.
Nehemiah 1:5-11; Psalms 57; 62:5-8; Ephesians 1:6-9
■ Present your specific requests to God.
Jacob clearly stated his request, “Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau …” (32:11a).
Praying specifically allows you to identify specific needs, recognize God’s intervention and give Him the glory when He answers prayer.
Mark 5:23; Philippians 4:6, 7; Colossians 4:3; James 5:13-18
■ Honestly pour out your heart to God.
Jacob exposed his emotions to the Lord – “… for I am afraid he will come and attack me …” (32:11b).
God understands you completely and is never shocked by what you feel. You can express your reality to God, trusting His compassion and knowing He is stronger than what you feel.
1 Kings 19:1-8; Psalms 142:2; 143
■ Believe God and personally apply His specific promises.
Jacob remembered that God’s promises secured his future (32:12).
Expect God to answer. With bold faith and humble submission, trust God in specific ways based on what He has declared is true in His Word.
Isaiah 55:10-11; John 14:13-14; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 1:24-25; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 1:9
***I forgot to note where I found this breakdown. BUT IT’S GREAT RIGHT!?