Sometimes we see something, but we don’t really see it. We don’t look deeply, or we’re distracted or misled.
Reading, understanding, and living the Bible must involve the deeper look. We must be enlightened by Scripture, and that is a work of the Holy Spirit. So the Apostle Paul prayers for people to be able to see and become enlightened.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. (Eph. 1:17-18).
Most of Psalm 119 (the longest of the Psalms) is a prayer seeking understanding of God’s will, ways, and word. For instance, verse 34: “Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.”
When we study the Bible we use all the normal methods we use to understand any text: the history, the grammar, the words, etc. But believers do not stop there. They know that the truth of God which exceeds human understanding requires a work of the Holy Spirit in order for us to comprehend and understand it.
This is why it is always a good idea to pray before and after we read Scripture. Here, for instance, are two prayers as examples:
Before Reading the Bible: Open my eyes, gracious Lord, as I turn to your word. I long to know you, to understand life, and to be changed. Examine me, Lord, by the floodlight of your truth. Amen.
After Reading the Bible: May the word I have read, Lord, be planted deeply in my mind and heart. Help me not to walk away and forget it, but to meditate on it and obey it and so build my life on the rock of your truth. Amen.
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These two prayers are in Prayers for Our Lives: 95 Lifelines to God for Everyday Circumstances.
Well doctor Mel,
There is a sign posted that says in the form of a cross that Jesus is lord right across the street from my dearest friends bicycle shop as what does this mean?
Many of my Evangelical pals say that we shall take over society and make all bend the knee.
However, if love is demonstrated will there be any law?
Is not love demonstrated on a cross?
correct me if I am wrong…
The only reason I attend Elmbrook Church is for my wife and her faith as I follow her…
Much love to you
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. (Eph. 1:17-18).”
Most excellent!
However, we are getting new appliances delivered tomorrow.
That one I follow said look at that mess under the dishwasher as that dear man will have to crawl under that mess to install our new dishwasher.
I must confess I never even thought about it.
Love is action as she cleaned out that dirty cabinet of our bottles and she on her hands and knees cleaned up the mess of that floor of a cabinet under our kitchen sink.
It occurred to me that he once said that where two or more gather there I will be…
Absolutely seen that demonstrated today…
Much love