I want to recognize that prayer and Bible reading are difficult for some people and I often get asked, “What do I say or do”? However, often it just takes a small mind shift to make something that is hard into something that is enjoyable would like to engage in Bible Reading As A Conversation With God.
It is critical to look to the Bible for guidance when we talk about prayer. Prayer is a Spiritual Discipline that Christians participate in to know God better. There are basically five types of prayer that are displayed in the Bible and all of them are simply a conversation with God. Our forefathers called out to God in spoken words to worship Him and praise Him, they talked with God about their needs and desires, the people of God lifted up many prayers for people they knew that were in need, and they offered prayers of thanksgiving and protection.
Prayer can take many forms, there is the stunning beauty of corporate prayer! A group of Christians praying the same prayer together in unity seeking God’s kingdom come and His will be done. Silent prayer or calling on the name of Jesus in a reverent way. Bible journaling is a satisfying way to pray to our Father in Heaven. I am so thankful for the various ways God has provided for us to talk with Him!
Today, I would like to talk specifically about interacting with God in prayer while reading His perfect, sufficient, and holy Word.
Bible Reading As A Conversation With God
READ
Read a passage in the Bible slowly and carefully. Pause, converse, and ask questions. (You can use a Bible in a Year Plan or just focus on one verse.) Be present, and ask God to help keep your mind from wandering. Take a moment to wonder, and talk with God while you are reading, Ponder… what, where, when, who, and how. Pray for understanding.
PRAY
Have a loving conversation with God. That doesn’t mean your conversation can’t be real, and honest, or that you can’t ask hard questions. Remember to read all of God’s Word in light of His love for us displayed on the cross. Prayer in the Bible is how believers of God, talk.
MEDITATION
Ask God to fill you up to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, thinking deeply about the meaning of the Bible passage you just read. This is a great time to pour yourself a cup of coffee and sit in silence so that you can listen to the things God wishes to share with you.
CONTEMPLATION
The Greek theoria (θεωρία), from which the English word “theory”, meant “contemplation, speculation, a looking at, things looked at”, from theorein (θεωρεῖν) “to consider, speculate, look at”, from theoros (θεωρός) “spectator”, from thea (θέα) “a view” + horan (ὁρᾶν) “to see”. Both Greek θεωρία and Latin contemplatio primarily meant looking at things, whether with the eyes or with the mind. Sit quietly and soak in God’s love and mercy depicted in Scripture. Contemplation is deep reflective thought. Rest…
LIVE
Ask God how He wants you to apply what you read in His Word. Then listen and act.
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YOUR TURN…
What is your favorite way of conversing with God?
Blessings,
