Talking to God as You Read
Some days motivation to read the Bible is hard. You know it's good for you. Yet getting into the habit feels like anticipating that root canal. Satan prefers you not read it either and will offer every excuse not to. The Bible gives peace, wisdom and joy. The enemy of our soul does not want you to find that.
Here are some helpful ideas.
- Pick a consistent time of day
- Find a time that works in your schedule
- Pick a quiet place free of distractions
- Keep a reading log to watch your progress
- Read a chapter (or verse) a day sequentially
- Find an accountability partner
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Just a Little Talk With Jesus
There's an old southern gospel song called "Just a Little Talk with Jesus." It was written in the 1930s by an African American pastor in the deep south. The chorus starts like this:
Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry
And He will answer by and by
I suggest you incorporate a little talk with Jesus as you pick up the Bible and read. It centers us back to our Creator who knows us and loves us tenderly. The Bible is God's very Word to us. This is all about interacting with God and it’s a two way street.
1. Begin with honest
prayer.
Don't feel like reading the Bible right now? Tell Him. Angry or feel distant from Him? Tell Him. You won't offend Him. He knows what you are thinking. Confess what is not right between you and God. Humble yourself. Be honest. In a relationship, honesty and authenticity is highly valued. Start with that.
2. Pray for a hunger.
Distant from God? Busy? Too tired? Embarrassed? Ask for a desire for the Word of God. This is a spiritual interaction, not your own wistful efforts.
Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment. I Peter 2:2
3. Reflect on His amazing love.
Think of
His crazy love for you and mull it over. He wants time with you. Get to know
Him. In the moments of silence with Him, be still and reflect.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37:7a
Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. Jude 1:21 (CSB)
4. Ask God for insight.
God is the Word who has breathed Scripture into being through human authors. He is able by the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you through the Bible. Confused or lost? Ask Him to make the Bible clear and meaningful to you.
5. Pray it matters.
God's Word is living and active. It can make a difference guiding our daily life, giving us strength, comfort and aid when we apply it. Pray for God to reveal the Word to where you live and breathe. To build you up and give you hope in whatever circumstance you are in.
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. … 2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT
As you dialogue with God, may you find that His Word comes alive to you. May it fill your heart with peace and give you a longing to know more about Him and His Word. These seasons of longing for God are amazing. Seek this and rest in this.
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Reflect:
1. Which of the five suggestions attract you?
2. Have you ever
prayed following these guidelines? Do you think it might help you as you read?
Why or why not?
3. Write a prayer using these 5 points. Try it out today.
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