Pray and Study

Tuesday, November 27, 2007       

Ephesians 1:16-17 (NLT)
¹⁶ I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,
¹⁷ asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.  ~Søren Kierkegaard

            Verse 17 is a continuation of verse 16. Here we see the request of Paul in his prayers. He asks for wisdom and insight in order for a growth in the knowledge of God.

            Prayer and Bible study are two sides of a coin. One is just as important as the other. We should be in an attitude of prayer as we read God’s word and study its meaning. Too often we depend upon authors, scholars and others to “interpret” the meaning for us; to teach us exactly what we should believe the word says. And while I would not discount the effectiveness of good Bible teaching and instruction, we must each learn to equip ourselves to study the word and seek out the meaning contained therein.

            Prayer helps to unlock the scripture before us. Most scripture is not difficult and grievous. Keeping in mind context in which the particular scripture rests will help us to find the meaning that God intended. Keep in mind that many times the simple and obvious meaning is superior to the complicated and vague meaning in our pursuit to understand the Bible. Again, prayer will help us to see the pure factual obvious message from God. Read carefully and prayerfully and wisdom will guide your study in the word. Insight will be yours to discover the treasure of God’s word.

Prayer Points for the day

1.         Pray for understanding as you begin your Bible reading 

2.         Ask God to open your eyes to His truths and apply them to your life.

3.         Praise God for communicating to you via His written word.