If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be done for you
John 15:7
The Word and Prayer! Nothing could be more essential to the Christian’s daily life. Yet in the midst of our busy schedules, few things are so easy to neglect. It sounds too simple, but it is so vital. The Christian thrives upon the word and prayer. The Bible feeds us (1 Tim 4:6), waters us (Eph 5:26), nourishes us like newborn babes feeding on milk (1 Pet 2:2). It is key to our growth in grace (‘sanctification’ John 17:17). Prayer is our vital link to God by which we speak to Him (Ps 6:9), ask of Him (Mt 7:7), make our bold requests of Him (Php 4:6), find our refuge in Him (Ps 18:1). Together Word and Prayer are like breathing to the Christian. By the word we breathe in His truth, through prayer we breathe out our requests. And the more we breathe out the same truths and promises we have breathed in, the more confidence we gain that God hears and will respond for our good. Dear One, for the sake of your soul, never let a day go by that is not strengthened and sweetened by God’s word and prayer.
I have tried to keep my own method of daily Bible intake and prayer very simple so I’m less likely to neglect it. I have a little notebook I use to keep track of what I’ve read. Across the top of the page I have three columns for “Old Testament”, “Psalms/Proverbs”, and “New Testament.” I try to read a chapter from each, each day. I’m not in a hurry to “conquer” the passage. Instead, I read slowly, praying as I go. I ask the Lord to show me Himself, to show me what I need to know about myself (where I need to repent or grow), and help me understand His world and my need. As I read each passage, I respond with prayer to whatever God shows me. Then, as I pray for my family and for you my church family, I pray in keeping with the truth I’ve just read. My goal is simple. I want to know God better and respond to Him as He reveals Himself in His word. If circumstances force me to miss a day, I don’t fret it. I just pick up where I left off on the following day. And each time I do, I believe God is gracious to meet with me and give me the help that I need.
Praying you, too, will delight to know God in the richness of His Word daily!
Pastor S. Scott Lee