The God of Impossibilities

've been thinking a lot recently about the prayers I pray.  I pray rather softly.  I don't pray with a loud voice.  I don't usually pray with a lot of intensity.  I began wondering if how I prayed had anything to do with answers to prayer.  I did some studying along those lines.  

There are lots of examples of how people prayed in the Bible.  Quiet - and loud.  Simple - and profound.  Emotional - and practical.  But one thing stood out to me.  Often prayers were based on God's promises.....things He has told us in the Word.  

- He promised to work in all things for our good.  Romans 8:28-30  

- He promised that He won't give us more than we can endure.  1 Corinthians 10:13  

- He promised to be with us, to strengthen us.  Isaiah 41:10

- He promised to forgive us.  1 John 1:9

- He promised He'll never leave us.  Matthew 28:20

- He promised He has good plans for us.  Jeremiah 29:11

- He promised to give us wisdom.  James 1:5

The list goes on and on.  The Bible is said to contain over 8000 promises.  I haven't counted them!  But there are so many good promises that God has said He has for us.  I've felt encouraged to pray according to His promises.  So many things seem impossible - but impossibilities are God's specialties.  His promises are good prayer starters.

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"  Genesis 18:14

"Almighty Lord, you made heaven and earth by your great strength and powerful arm.  Nothing is too hard for you."  Jeremiah 32:17

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."  Job 42:2

I read that Charles Spurgeon said, "Do not treat God's promises as if they were curiosities for a museum; but believe them and use them."  I'm so grateful for the encouragement and assurance of God's promises.  I'm praying them daily.  He is faithful!