VI PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY
Psalm 119:9-16
We learned in our study of the Christian life that growth depends upon our seeking God’s wisdom through prayer and Bible study.
Prayer
To be a Christian without praying is like trying to live without breathing. Christ left to His Church no form of organization; but He left it with something far more important – an experience of power through prayer.
There are certain things that should accompany each approach to God in prayer. These are set forth in Isaiah’s vision of the glory of the Lord. The following combination Bible study will help you to understand what these things are.
A STUDY OF PRAYER
Isaiah 6:1-8
What aspects of prayer do we find in this story of the calling of the prophet Isaiah?
1. An experience of awe in the presence of God (vs. 1-4).
2. A sense of sin, and confession of that sin (v.5).
3. An experience of forgiveness (vs.6,7).
4. An experience of complete dedication of self in the service of God (v.8).
It is of tremendous value in your growth as a Christian if you will enter into the spiritual discipline of prayer. Find a quiet place where, physically at rest and as free as possible from the noise and distractions of the world round about you, you can take your Bible in your hand and experience prayer for yourself. Many Christians find it best to begin the day with personal devotions. Often, a devotional booklet will prove useful.
There are three elements in what is called the prayer of petition: the request itself, the answer, and the acceptance of the answer. The first two are sure, the last depends upon you. You should pray knowing that you will be heard and that the Father will answer; but you must also be prepared to accept His answer. In the Bible, the story is told of a man with a withered hand who had often prayed for healing. Jesus said to him, ‘“Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.’[1]Christians should pray with hands outstretched, as it were, with minds alert, and with hearts eager for the blessing that He is eager to give.
Bible Study
“The word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him” (Westminster Shorter Catechism). In addition, there are two other reasons why Christians should read their Bibles. The Westminster Shorter Catechism is also clear about these: “The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.”
1. Christians should make time to read the Bible each day. There are many plans available to help with this. It is better not to try to read the Bible from beginning to end, but to follow a program. This type of devotional reading schedule is designed to help us to learn “what man is to believe concerning God.”
2. There are various ways in which Christians have sought to find, through the Bible, “what duty God requires of man.” Some have opened the Bible randomly, expecting to find guidance. A much better way is to read with the aid of a devotional aid or Bible study booklet, such as “The Upper Room” or “These Days.” Find a quiet place; begin in prayer, thanking God for the blessings of this life. You could use the Psalms to help you to adore God for who He is. Then, read the assigned Scripture text. Don’t read the commentary immediately; instead, ask what the passage means to you. Does a particular phrase stand out? Jot it down in a journal or notebook. Then, read the devotional guide. Add any insights you glean to our own. Then, close your Bible and think for a moment what it would mean that day for you to follow what you have read. Pray again, commending the coming hours to God, asking for His guidance, mentioning any who have asked for prayer, or whose names are on your heart.
“Thy will be done”[2]is a prayer often to be found on the lips of Christians; but with that prayer there must be the realization that, if His will is to be done, it must be done by every one of us in our homes or at school, at work or at play, on the streets of our busy cities or the quiet country roads. Christ’s followers must prepare themselves to accept the answer to their prayer. If you really want to do God’s will then you must take the trouble to discern it, through prayer and the study of God’s Word; and then you must seek the courage to live out what you have learned.
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