Here are some tips to help us read the scriptures prayerfully and effectively:
1. Centering
Get comfortable and relax. Take several deep breaths. Remember that the breath you are breathing is God’s own breath. As you
breathe, claim the presence of God in you.
2. Pray the Scripture
Before reading, ask for the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
An example:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love,. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
After praying to the Holy Spirit, read the lesson slowly. The first time do not read for understanding. Simply become focused in the Word. Read the Word until it becomes a part of you. Ask the Spirit to direct you.
* What is the central issue of the text?
* You might find it helpful to write the central idea in your own words.
* What might God be saying to you?
* What might God be saying to our church?
As you reflect upon this part of God’s Word, remember your breath and claim God’s presence in your life.
3. Closing Prayer
Give thanks to the Holy Spirit for directing you in prayer and for the breath of God that gives you life. Ask for continuing awareness of the Word’s presence in you throughout the day:
Peace be with you all and God bless
Thanks so much for the tips. May God bless you!
Thankyou so much for the candles!
Thank you, BBrown for these wonderful helpful tips. Your presence here is a blessing to all of us.
Bighill
May God bless you.
It’s not going to happen for me.”
Ever heard that?
Or thoughts like: “I'm not going to get the job. I'm not going to find the right guy or girl. My situation is not going to turn around.”
Let’s begin thinking that it is going to happen for us. Ready?
1. Expect something good to happen to you today.
The Lord has done great things for us! (Psalm 118:24 & Psalm 126:3)
2. Know that God has a good plan for you today!
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans for good, to give you a future and a hope.” (Notice those 2 words: “I know”. This means that God is certain about it. It’s definitely going to happen. Take it to the bank! It’s coming!)
3. Expect doors to open.
Psalm 5:12 says, “Favor surrounds the righteous like a shield.” Favor means: God opens doors that no one can close. Expect doors to open today.
4. Believe in God's fairness.
(Life’s not always fair, but God is! Romans 12:19-21 says He will right every wrong.) Remember, it happened for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; therefore, it will happen for you. The Bible says, "God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11) That doesn't mean He doesn't respect you. It means that He won't show partiality – blessing one person and not another. But you have to believe it and expect it. What He did for Abraham, He has promised He would do for you. Galatians 3:29 says, “For if you belong to Christ, you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs of the promise!”
5. Think "solution thoughts".
No matter what the problem is, no matter what hasn't seemed to happen for you yet, expect a solution. Expect an answer. James 1:6 says, “If any man lacks wisdom, ask of God...who gives to ALL men generously." Notice, He gives to all men, not some. You're one of those who He does give it to. You're not just in line. You're in the front of the line!
6. Think about some good that has happened in your life.
This shows the past faithfulness of God. Since He never changes—expect His faithfulness AGAIN today! (Psalm 23:6)
THINK IT & SAY IT:
Something good is going to happen for me today. Things are going to work out. God has a good plan for my life today. He is certain that it is good, therefore I’m certain as well.
I expect favor today. Favor surrounds me like a shield. Doors are going to open for me that no one can close.
God is going to right every wrong, and show the same help to me as He did for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He gives me wisdom and holds nothing back. I’m in the front of the line.
I remember the good that God has already done, and therefore I expect Him to do it again. Good and right things are going to happen in my life today—goodness and mercy shall FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE!
This is so helpful. Thank you for sharing it. God bless you abundantly!!!
Thank you for these helpful tips; they are very insightful. I will use them.
"Our Heavenly Father, thank you for your beautiful words that you gave us to live by. May the holy spirit guide us in our
comprehension and knowledge as we spend time in your word and may we receive the wisdom to demonstrate in our lives and in the lives of others your teachings by the way of our actions and by the words we speak. In your most holy and majestic name, Jesus Christ, I thank you for this insight that you have sent through bbrown Amen."
Thank You for this encouragement & May God Bless your soul.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray.........
AMEN..............
Thank you for doing God work to save souls for the Kingdom of Heaven! God bless you and yours!!