Decree and Declare: Understanding Biblical Authority in Prayer and Proclamation

The Meaning of Decree and Declare

To ‘decree’ is to create an authoritative command, typically by one in power — such as a king or government — who can ensure its fulfillment (Dan 6:7,9; Mt 2:16). In Scripture, God issues decrees that bring about reality because He alone has the power to command existence (Isa 46:10–11). The Israelites were called to obey God’s decrees, with blessings promised for obedience and consequences for rebellion (Lev 18:4,5, 26:3–46). The Psalmist expressed reverence for divine decrees, praying, “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” (Ps 119:5).

Believers, however, do not possess the authority to create reality through spoken words. To ‘declare’, by contrast, is to state aloud a truth, fact, or divine principle — often as a formal announcement.

Do I know the difference?

While we may declare truths revealed in Scripture, we do not cause those truths to be true. Our declarations are acts of alignment with God’s Word, not instruments of creation.

Common Misinterpretations of Key Verses

Several Bible passages are often misused to justify the idea that believers can decree circumstances into existence:

“Calling those things which are not, as though they were” (Rom 4:17). This verse describes God’s action, not Abraham’s. It was God who called into existence what did not exist (cf. Heb 11:19). Abraham believed God’s promise; he did not speak it into being. The power lies in God’s declaration, not human assertion.

“You shall decree a thing, and it shall be established” (Job 22:28). These words were spoken by one of Job’s friends, whose counsel was later rebuked by God: “My wrath is aroused against you…for you have not spoken of Me what is right” (Job 42:7).

Be careful to declare God’s word, not your wants

This statement reflects flawed theology and cannot serve as a doctrinal foundation.

These misreadings promote a self-centered spirituality where human words are elevated to creative power — contrary to the biblical emphasis on submission to God’s sovereign will.

A Biblical Approach to Spiritual Declarations

True spiritual declaration involves echoing God’s revealed truth, not inventing personal desires. David declared, “I will declare the decree: the Lord has said…” , affirming what God had already ordained (Ps 2:7). Our role is to proclaim, agree with, and live out God’s decrees — not to originate them.

Rightly understood, declarations are acts of faith that align our hearts with Scripture. For example, confessing “Jesus is Lord” is not a magical formula but a heartfelt acknowledgment of truth that results in salvation (Rom 10:9,10). Similarly, declaring forgiveness

Biblical declarations speak forth God’s truth

after repentance rests on the promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 Jn 1:9).

We are called to declare the gospel boldly — “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and to speak God’s promises over our lives, not our wishes (Mt 4:17; Act 17:30). This is distinct from the unbiblical “name it and claim it” or “confess it and possess it” ideologies, which resemble witchcraft in their attempt to manipulate spiritual forces through spoken words.

The Power of Prayer and Submission to God’s Will

Scripture consistently emphasizes prayer over decreeing. When Peter was imprisoned, the church prayed fervently, in another example Paul and Silas sang praises in jail rather than issuing commands (Act 12:5,12, 16:25). Paul pleaded with God three times about his thorn in the flesh instead of declaring its removal (2 Cor 12:7,8). Jesus Himself modeled submission: “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Lk 22:42).

Prayer is the posture of humility, recognizing God’s sovereignty and our dependence, yet is effective. James warns against self-reliance: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss”

Prayer is submission to God’s will

(Jas 4:3). True faith submits personal desires to God’s wisdom, trusting that He knows what is best (Jas 4:13–16).

God’s Word is living and active and we are equipped with the “sword of the Spirit” — not to enforce our will, but to resist the enemy and proclaim truth (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12). Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan’s temptations, showing that divine authority is exercised through obedience to God’s Word, not autonomous declarations (Mt 4:4,7,10).

Authority Under Submission

While Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me”, He also delegated authority to His followers to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15–18). This authority is not for personal gain but for

Delegated authority is given to fulfil His orders

advancing God’s kingdom. We act under His commission, not independent power.

Our declarations should reflect Scripture, not replace it. We speak not to create reality, but to affirm what God has already declared. As we meditate on His Word our thoughts and words are shaped by truth, enabling us to proclaim His will with confidence (Josh 1:8; Ps 1:2).

Let us avoid the extremes of passive fatalism and arrogant decreeing. Instead, let us walk in faithful obedience — praying with confidence, declaring God’s truth, and submitting fully to His perfect will.

Reflection and Application

Are your prayers filled with humble requests or presumptuous decrees? Align your words with Scripture by declaring God’s promises, not your personal desires.
Reflect on areas where you struggle to surrender control. Practice saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” trusting that God’s plans are perfect and His timing is right.
Choose one Scripture promise this week to declare daily—not to create a new reality, but to affirm the truth of who God is and what He has already declared.
Instead of commanding circumstances to change, bring your needs to God in prayer, relying on His power and wisdom rather than your own words.