Ed’s opinion.  Someone may ask what is the difference with what I do with the word of God. And I would caution us that God blesses us in many physical ways probably hundreds of ways that we never even notice. But his primary purpose, it would appear to me, is to bless us in spiritual ways. To see that we are conformed and transformed to the people, ministers, instruments of praise and the purpose that he created us to be.

So if my interest in the word of God is always geared toward physical needs I am majoring in the minors.  Paul writes,” we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Jesus tells us, “for the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you. ”

I spend some time praying for health and finances and physical needs, and also thanking God for the quantities of those that I already have. But I do not think that that should be the main thrust of my prayer life.  Instead I believe I should spend the majority of my prayer life washing my mind and renewing my mind with the word of God so that my character changes and I am converted and become more conformed to the image of my Lord Jesus Christ.  I believe the word of God should be used to manipulate and change me instead of trying to manipulate God with his word.

So my urging to you is to take the word of God; put it on your lips and in your heart in the context of who it says you are in Christ and who it says Christ is in you. Dwell on those things. Preach those things to yourself.  Let the word of God convert you and give you rest and peace.