Prayer And God’s Word: How Do They Fit Together?

Man Praying and reading scripture

Contributor: Ryan Moffat, BS in Bible and Theology from Multnomah University. Pastor of Vast Church.

“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
– C. S. Lewis

“Most of our sadness comes from listening to ourselves instead of preaching to ourselves, because nobody talks to themselves more than you do.”
– Martyn Lloyd Jones

Have you ever wondered what to do and where to go when life is at its deepest pain points? Most of us don’t know this, but the Bible is INCREDIBLY honest about the pain and sorrows of life.

It is not afraid of or indiscriminate to the reality of trouble and difficulties of life. The book of Psalms is actually a book that contains not only praise and worship but also lament and sadness.

Psalm 43 is a classic example of man who is deeply divided between his “doctrinal theology” (what he says he believes) and his “functional theology” (what he actually believes).

A Divided Man:

“You are the God in whom I take refuge. Why have you rejected me?”

David says that God is His refuge (a good and true statement) and then immediately asks God, “Why have you rejected me?” (a false statement but one he feels deeply)

This divided man should encourage us to see that just because we have divided hearts, we too, like David, should move toward God with that internal division.

A Resolved Man:

Christian Cross On Hill At Dawn - Addiction Hope“Send out your light and your truth.”

The Psalmist doesn’t stop at admitting his divided heart. He doesn’t want to stay there, so he PLEADS with God, “Send your light and your truth.” Sometimes we must get desperate enough to beg God to move.

The “light” and the “truth” are His Word (aka THE BIBLE). Are you resolved enough to pick up the Bible to aid your change?

I have a friend who’s 12 years clean from alcohol addiction and who swears that nothing changed until he started turning to prayer and God’s word. The Scriptures are the very lifeblood of real change.

An Encouraged Man:

“Then I will go to the altar of God, my exceeding Joy.”

The Psalmist finds his ultimate joy, purpose and meaning in God! There is no life apart from knowing (and being known by) God. Your life will transform when you open your heart and your life to God and His Word!

Community Discussion: Share Your Thoughts Below!

Do you have Psalms or verses that have inspired you in your recovery? Please share below!


Ryan Moffat FamilyAbout the Author: Ryan received his BS in Bible and Theology and a minor in counseling from Multnomah University. He has pastored students, families and is passionate about Christ-centered recovery and healing.

He’s been married to his beautiful wife Michelle for 13 years and they enjoy raising four crazy, unique and special kids together. Ryan is the teaching pastor at Vast Church in Sisters, OR and is currently working on his Masters in Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, OR.

He and his partners have created a website that focuses on the community of Central Oregonians. They are committed to sharing the culture, the landscape, the people, the beauty, the opportunities and the overall incredible community that is “The High Desert”. Please visit The High Desert Life.


Addiction Hope is proud to announce the initiation of a special Christian Track of blogs and articles to commemorate the blessing of our sister site’s, Eating Disorder Hope, 10-year anniversary. Stay tuned for additional content noted as “Christian Track.”


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective on addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

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Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 21, 2016

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