Prayer and Scripture

Be with Jesus

1) Prayer

We want to be a community of communion with God in a culture of distraction and escapism through the practice of Prayer. We see the practice of daily prayer throughout the Old Testament, New Testament, the life of our Lord, His disciples, and throughout the ages of the Church. Some of the common practices have been a) at set-times throughout the day, and b) praying Scripture. Here is a wonderful guide that can be a resource for you as you seek to spend time with Jesus each day.

Daily Prayer Guide

2) Scripture

There are many great reading plans out there - everything from reading through the Bible in a year to reading five minutes a day.

I want to make three really important points.

First, Scripture is God’s Word to you. It is how the Creator of the universe and King of Kings speaks to you. It is where He declares His love, grace, mercy to you and how He guides and matures you in your faith. How amazing is that!

Second, reading Scripture is hard work. You read that right. It’s hard work. It takes time, commitment, mental and spiritual focus. For this reason, many of us just don’t bother with it, make excuses, feel guilt, or do it hit or miss. It’s like receiving a letter from someone that loves us dearly and never taking the time to open it. With that said, there are a few easy habits that will make it so much easier for you to be consistent in God’s Word (more on that below).

Third, here is a key that has tremendously helped me in my time in God’s Word: more important than the quantity of what you read is the quality and regularity. Better to read 5 minutes, 5 days a week, then 25 minutes only 1 day a week.

So it’s God’s Word to you, it’s hard work, and it requires consistency. If you understand those three things then the following practical suggestions will help you tremendously.

practical suggestions:

  1. Find a quiet place to sit where you won’t be interrupted for the next 10 minutes and shut your phone off.

  2. Take deep breath, still your heart and mind, ask God to open your heart and enlighten your eyes to understand His Word.

  3. Read one chapter of whatever book you are reading and one chapter from the Psalms (If you’re just starting out reading the Bible, keep it simple and just read one chapter). Don’t try to get all fancy, keep it simple, less is more. Commit just 10 minutes a day, five days a week to the bookmark plan.

  4. Read with a journal and pen in your hand and jot down any thoughts or questions that come to mind as you are reading. This is a really important step to help you actually process what you’re reading.

  5. End your time by praying one verse from what you read. For example, Psalm 5:8 says, “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.” Pray something like this: “Lord, lead me you in your righteousness, guide me in your ways. Keep me from following the lies of Satan and the temptations of this world. Keep my heart and mind focused on You as I go about my day. Amen.”

  6. Consider sharing one thing that God taught you or reminded you with someone else during the week.

  7. If you have questions about what you’re reading, reach out to Pastor Matt, he would love to answer your questions!