Give Thanks Before Reading

We ask God to bless the food to our body's use before we begin eating. Isn't it equally fitting to ask Him to bless His Word to our spirits before reading? When we come to a difficult passage instead of giving up or rushing to a commentary, we should lay that passage before God and ask Him to explain it to us, remembering His promise, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God" (Jam 1:5). This request for understanding pleases God. It was Solomon's request when God offered Him his choice of all gifts, and God could not have been more pleased with Solomon's request. 

How long we pray before we begin reading the Word is not nearly as important as our hunger to receive a fresh word, our daily manna. Sometimes we can pray a prayer such as Samuel's "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Or we might use David's words, "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things in your law." 

When we hunger and thirst and express our sincere desire for the Spirit to teach us, we are opening ourselves to receive true riches that only the Spirit can give.

I look forward to what You have to say to Me today, dear Jesus, as I read Your Word.

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32).