Jodie Berndt on “Praying the Scriptures for Your Life”

Abiding in Christ 

In one of his last conversations with his disciples, Jesus urged his followers to remain in Him: I am the true vine, you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit (John 15:5, NIV). But many might wonder what it means to “remain” in Christ in our daily lives. In her latest book, Praying the Scriptures for Your Life, author Jodie Berndt invites readers to experience deeper intimacy with Christ as they allow his words from John 15 to transform their perspective as well as their prayers. 

Praying the Scriptures for Your Life is the latest addition to the bestselling Praying the Scriptures series which include Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, Praying the Scriptures for Your Teens, and more. The series has sold over 300,000 copies. But this book is structured differently. Jodie explains, “Each chapter starts with a story, winds its way through some Scripture, and wraps up with three R’s designed to strengthen our connection with Christ: Read, Reflect, and Remember.”

Part One is called “An Invitation to Abide.” It’s a big-picture look at what connection to Christ looks like in real life, and how we can become people of impact as we allow God’s Word to give shape to our desires and our prayers.

Part Two is more nitty-gritty. That’s where we dig into 31 different topics and experience God’s power and provision. Things like loving hard people. Extending forgiveness. Praying for marriages and children. Hearing God’s voice. Using talents, time, and money wisely. Waiting on God. Aging well. Dealing with the pain of unanswered prayers. You get the idea. If it matters to you, it matters to God – and his Word has us covered.

In the devotional, Jodie also teaches and guides us through topics including: 

• What it means to abide with Christ every day: Living a life dependent on Him.
• How the Bible shapes our desires and transforms our prayers: We draw inspiration from the Word of God. 
• How closeness with Christ equips us to be fruitful and productive: As our desires reflect His, we make more of an impact.
• Why our prayers have the power to release God’s provision in our lives: Jesus said: If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7)

Jodie explains, “When we choose to surrender to Jesus—putting down roots and living not so much in a place as in a person, the Holy Spirit moves into our lives. His presence goes with us. He turns our deepest thoughts toward God so that, whether we’re sitting in church, crafting a sales presentation, or loading groceries into the back of the car, our hearts and minds can enjoy perfect peace.”