Prayer is Important in Bible Study
If we are honest, prayer is probably the last tool we think is important in the study of the bible. Our minds are somewhat trained to think about what study book we need, what method we should choose, or what translation of the Bible is best for study.
While these things are helpful, it should not be that way. Prayer is the greatest means which God established for us to receive supernatural help in our Bible study.
Why is Prayer Important for Bible Study?
The first question we must ask ourselves to understand the importance of prayer in our study is this,
“Why is prayer really important in the study of the bible?”
Sounds simple, right? We’re told to ask questions according to the Apostle James. If we desire wisdom and understanding, we ask. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God.”
There is a promise that follows the question.
He (God) gives to all generously without reproach.
But one must ask without doubting.
In our series on How to Study the Bible we talked about how we should not be afraid of the word of God.
If God directs us to ask then He will answer, in His timing, and will give us every good thing. James 1:16-18
Also notice. God is not disappointed nor does He disapprove of the asking! He gives to all without reproach. James 1:5
I was in a time of struggle and doubt and through prayer the Holy Spirit brought these verses to my mind.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock; and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more, will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! Matthew 7: 7-11
Ask! Your Father who is in heaven will give you what is good. He will give you wisdom and understanding!
Where Do I Go But to the Lord!
When we sit down to read and study our Bibles where do we go with our questions? Who do we go to for wisdom and understanding?
God! Again, I am not saying do not go to a wise woman, your pastor, or books! But God First!
The Holy Spirit of God is our teacher who will teach us all things. John 14:26
God holds all secrets of His law. For those who fear Him, He will make known His covenant Psalm 25:14. Go to God who will make known to you His ways. The teacher Who will lead you into all truth Psalm 25:4-5.
Prayer Tears Down the High Wall of Pride!
Pride will tell us we know it all! Which will keep us from prayer and the study of His Word.
Pride will also tell us we should know it all, which keeps us in a state of worry and fear.
By the way, the Bible calls this sin! It is a lack of faith and trust in our heavenly Father. We should be moving from the milk of the word to the meat of the word 1 Peter 2:2, Hebrews 5:12-13, but you and I will never know all of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 13:12
When we study the Bible we look into a mirror dimly. It is a mystery that only God can and will reveal to His children.
What do we ask in prayer?
We ask God to give us wisdom and understanding. Prayer is acknowledging He is the One, the Only One, who can give the answers we need as we read and study to know Him John 17:3 and learn what is pleasing to Him. Ephesians 5:10
I memorized Jeremiah 33:3 a long time ago. It is my go to verse when I sit down to read and study God’s word. God says to the prophet Jeremiah , “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.”
Call to God who will tell you great and mighty things.
What verse or verses have helped you to pray and ask God to show you truth as you study His word?
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James 1:5-7
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to Him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Thank you Dayna, for the reminder from the Word of God!