April 28, 2018 - - Psalm 1:1-2 What is the purpose of Bible-reading and prayer?

Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2 ESV

As Christians we are called to read the Word of God and to think it over, chew on it mentally, let it have its effect on our minds, our actions and our very soul. Pray Holy Scripture back to God. Thank Him for the riches of the Holy Scripture and the profound help and guidance He gives us through it.

Consider these incisive words from Al Martin:

devotional assimilation and exercise of prayer

must find concrete expression in an increasing

ethical conformity to the will of God, if not

they [devotions and prayer] have degenerated

into mystical thumb-sucking...you're having a

spiritual experience that makes you feel good

but does not make you a better man for it.

O LORD my God, thank You for opening the gates of heaven through the work of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the riches of Holy Scripture and the gift of prayer. Spirit of the Living God, bring believers to their knees in meditation, wonder and praise. As You have purposed, O God, let the Holy Scriptures and our prayerful meditation on it change us from the inside out so that our will and our works conform more and more to Jesus, the Captain of our Salvation and the joy of our soul. Amen.