Biblical Studies

3. Step One: Pray

Do not forget our secret weapon: we have a loving Father who wants to help us and bless us in our studies.

Reflect again upon what James tells us at the beginning of his letter:

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

– James, a servant of Jesus

Make prayer a priority. Do not wait until you are stuck. Start your studies with a prayer for help and end them with a prayer of thanks. Amen.

bible-cross-praySome food for thought

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

A prayer to start your studies

Dear God,

As I look around me I see so much of your wonder and of your power,
And I praise your holy name above all else.

You have given me all I need for this day and so much more besides,
And I thank you and ask you not ever to forget me.

As I use this time to read and meditate upon your word,
Please keep my mind free from distractions, that I might devote myself wholly to you.

Open the eyes of my heart, that I may see you and understand your wisdom.

Draw me ever closer you, that through your words I may grow to know you and to love you with my whole being.

Thank you for every moment I can spend in your presence,
And may my life be lived for your honour and to your glory.

Through Jesus, your Son, I come to you. Amen.

A prayer to end your studies

Dear God,

Thank you for this time of study and reflection.

Every time I read your word I learn more of you and of your ways,
And the more I learn of you, the more I love you. Thank you.

Thank you for opening my eyes to things I could never see by myself.

Thank you for giving me the abilities I need to read and study your word.

Please help me to remember things I have learned,
To keep growing in my understanding of all your ways,
And to keep walking closer to you, day by day.

Thank you for Jesus. Amen.

 

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