Written Prayer Petitions Based on Covenant Promises
David W Palmer
(1 John 5:15 NKJV) And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
At times, and as the need arises, we pray with groans, the overflow of the passion and desires of our hearts, or from the quickening of the Holy Spirit. These are all good and a necessary part of our prayer life. But today, we are looking at an additional way to make our requests known to God: the written petition.
In the above passage, the translators used the word, “petition,” whereas other translations use the words, requests, ask, or asked. It all comes from the same word in the original language, but the word “petitions” reminds us that they can be written as well as verbalised. In modern English, the word petition means: a formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to an authority in respect of a particular cause.
In our case, a written prayer or petition to God is based 100% on the covenant he made with Jesus, and in which he included us in Christ. In other words, it is based on the promises of Scripture—especially the New Testament.
For example, a written petition for healing may begin with God’s promises to heal, and his process for receiving healing; it could be worded thus:
“Heavenly Father, our covenant with you states:
Because of Jesus’s amazing achievements and his including me in this covenant; and because of these precious promises you made to me, your covenant partner, I have submitted to you; I have asked the elders to pray the prayer of faith for me—asking for healing. On this basis, I claim my healing right now in Jesus’s name, and on the basis of the following promises in our covenant, I resist the devil, I bind all spirits of sickness, disease and infirmity and command them to loose my body in Jesus’s name:
(James 4:7 NKJV) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
(Matthew 16:19 NKJV) “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
(Mark 16:17 NKJV) “… In My name they will cast out demons …”
Thank you Father, on this basis, I confess that I am healed in Jesus’s name.”
Then you could sign your name to this petition and date it. An agreeing prayer partner could sign it with you. Once this document has been formulated, written, and signed, present it to God in prayer—while taking communion if you like. Then, you can read it over every day, thanking God for his faithfulness to his covenant, and thanking him for hearing and answering your request.
By putting your petition (request) in writing, you are making it specific and unalterable. You won’t be double minded, you won’t accidentally forget what you have already asked, and you’ll be reminded every time you review it of the faith-imparting promises upon which it is based.
Our Father has guaranteed the results in his covenant—as ratified in Jesus’s precious blood. This is assured; but I cannot say how long it will take before the answer is completely manifested.
