Pray: Pray before and throughout your study of the Bible
The Bible contains spiritual truth. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16, people need the help of the Holy Spirit to correctly understand spiritual truth. “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.… This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (NIV 1 Corinthians 2:11, 13–14). Consequently, we should prepare our hearts and ask God for the Holy Spirit’s help so we can correctly understand God’s Word.
Start by praising and worshiping God, confessing sin, asking for forgiveness, and getting your heart right before God. It will be easier to understand and accept what God says in Scripture when your heart is right before Him.
Begin in prayer. Then continue in an attitude of prayer as you do the remaining three steps. Ask God for the Holy Spirit’s help so you can correctly understand the meaning of the text. Ask Him what He is saying to you about your life and how He wants you to apply the text to your life today.
From: Diving for Pearls in God’s Treasure Chest
Cross Mission Media 