Deepening Your Relationship with God Through Prayer and Scripture

 

Summary

In the pursuit of spiritual growth and improvement, individuals are encouraged to focus on enhancing their spiritual habits, particularly in the areas of Bible reading and prayer. These foundational practices are seen as avenues for deepening one's relationship with God and fostering a more disciplined and purposeful spiritual life.

The challenge presented is to engage in faithful Bible reading. It is acknowledged that while many people own Bibles, the act of reading them regularly and with intention can be a hurdle. Common barriers such as perceived lack of time, motivation, and intimidation by the Bible's length and complexity are addressed. It is suggested that setting aside as little as 15 minutes a day can allow an average reader to complete the Bible within a year. To overcome these barriers, individuals are encouraged to find translations and versions of the Bible that are readable and understandable, making the text less daunting and more accessible.

The example of the Berean Jews from Acts 17 is highlighted, illustrating their noble character through their eagerness to receive the message and their daily examination of the Scriptures. This example serves as an inspiration for individuals to cultivate a desire for God and His word, and to approach Bible reading with both a heart of eagerness and a determination to follow through.

In addition to Bible reading, the importance of prayer is emphasized. Prayer is described not merely as a response to emergencies or a means to request personal desires, but as an ongoing conversation and relationship with God. It is a practice that should be integrated into daily life, beyond moments of need or crisis. The concept of intercessory prayer is also introduced, encouraging individuals to pray for others' needs, for the lost to find salvation, and for collective spiritual growth.

The narrative encourages individuals to find a consistent time and place for Bible reading and prayer, likening it to setting an appointment that one is committed to keeping. The use of technology, such as Bible apps, is suggested as a tool to facilitate these habits, especially for those with busy lifestyles.

The call to action is to make the year 2024 a time of better habits in Bible reading and prayer. It is a year to initiate or renew one's conversation with God, to confess sins, and to seek forgiveness and purification. The ultimate goal is to grow in one's relationship with God through the diligent study of His word and through meaningful, purposeful prayer.

Key Takeaways:

- Faithful Bible reading is not just about the act of reading, but about cultivating a desire and determination to engage with Scripture. It requires overcoming common barriers such as time constraints and intimidation by the text, and it starts with a genuine eagerness to learn from God's word. This eagerness should be coupled with a commitment to daily reading, following the example of the Berean Jews who examined the Scriptures with great diligence. [33:24]

- Prayer is more than a crisis response or a wish list; it is an ongoing conversation with God that should be woven into the fabric of daily life. By treating prayer as a continuous dialogue, individuals can foster a deeper relationship with God, ensuring that communication with Him is not limited to moments of need but is a constant, sustaining presence. [46:26]

- Intercessory prayer expands one's spiritual practice beyond personal concerns, inviting believers to pray for the needs of others. This selfless form of prayer reflects a heart aligned with God's desire for all to come to repentance and for believers to grow in their faith. It is a powerful way to exercise faith and compassion, believing in God's provision for others as well as oneself. [49:12]

- Establishing a specific time and place for Bible reading and prayer can significantly enhance the consistency and quality of these spiritual disciplines. Just as one would not leave a family meal or a business meeting to chance, setting a clear schedule for engaging with God's word and spending time in prayer is crucial for spiritual growth and discipline. [42:10]

- The narrative challenges individuals to not only do things for God but to also prioritize spending time with Him. Actions in service to God are important, but they should not overshadow the foundational practice of being in God's presence through Bible reading and prayer. This balance is essential for a healthy and growing spiritual life. [54:39]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 17:10-12 (NIV)
> "As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men."

2. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
> "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

3. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NIV)
> "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the Berean Jews commended for in Acts 17:10-12?
2. According to Philippians 4:19, what does Paul assure the believers about God's provision?
3. In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, what are the two main things Paul prays for the believers?
4. What are some common barriers to faithful Bible reading mentioned in the sermon? ([27:52])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the Berean Jews examined the Scriptures daily? How does this reflect their character and commitment? ([32:40])
2. How does Paul's assurance in Philippians 4:19 about God's provision encourage believers to engage in intercessory prayer? ([48:33])
3. What does it mean to have a "desire for God" as described in the sermon, and how can this desire impact one's approach to Bible reading and prayer? ([33:24])
4. How can setting a specific time and place for Bible reading and prayer enhance one's spiritual discipline? ([42:10])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current Bible reading habits. What specific steps can you take to overcome barriers such as time constraints or lack of motivation? ([27:52])
2. The Berean Jews were eager to receive the message and examined the Scriptures daily. How can you cultivate a similar eagerness and determination in your own Bible study? ([32:40])
3. Think about your prayer life. How can you shift from viewing prayer as a crisis response or wish list to an ongoing conversation with God? ([46:26])
4. Identify one person in your life who needs prayer. How can you incorporate intercessory prayer into your daily routine to pray for their needs and spiritual growth? ([49:12])
5. What specific time and place can you set aside for daily Bible reading and prayer? How can you ensure this becomes a consistent habit? ([42:10])
6. Reflect on the balance between doing things for God and spending time with Him. How can you prioritize your relationship with God through Bible reading and prayer in your daily life? ([54:39])
7. Consider the use of technology in your spiritual habits. How can tools like Bible apps help you stay committed to your Bible reading and prayer goals? ([28:40])

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating a Heart for Scripture
Engaging with the Bible is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is about nurturing a deep yearning to understand and live by God's word. By setting aside time each day, even if it's just a quarter of an hour, one can journey through the Bible within a year, transforming their spiritual walk. Overcoming the barriers to regular Bible reading starts with a genuine eagerness to learn and grow through the Scriptures, much like the Berean Jews who examined the texts daily with great diligence. [33:24]

Psalm 119:36-37 - "Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."
Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to make Bible reading a more consistent part of your daily routine?

Day 2: Prayer as Continuous Dialogue
Prayer should be woven into the fabric of one's life, not just reserved for moments of crisis or desire. It is an ongoing conversation with God, a practice that deepens the relationship with the Divine and integrates spirituality into every aspect of daily living. By treating prayer as a continuous dialogue, one ensures that communication with God is a constant, sustaining presence. [46:26]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer into different moments of your day to maintain a continuous conversation with God?

Day 3: The Power of Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer is a selfless act that extends one's spiritual practice beyond personal concerns. It reflects a heart aligned with God's desire for all to come to repentance and for believers to grow in their faith. By praying for others, one exercises faith and compassion, believing in God's provision not just for oneself but for the community and the world at large. [49:12]

James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: Who in your life or community could benefit from your intercessory prayers today, and how can you commit to praying for them regularly?

Day 4: Scheduling Time with God
Just as one would not leave important appointments to chance, setting a specific time and place for Bible reading and prayer is crucial for spiritual discipline. Establishing a routine for these practices can significantly enhance their consistency and quality, helping one to grow in their relationship with God. This commitment is akin to setting a sacred appointment that one is dedicated to keeping. [42:10]

Daniel 6:10 - "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
Reflection: What time and place can you designate as your daily meeting spot with God, and how will you guard this time from distractions?

Day 5: Prioritizing Presence Over Practice
While actions in service to God are important, they should not overshadow the foundational practice of being in God's presence through Bible reading and prayer. The balance between doing for God and being with God is essential for a healthy and growing spiritual life. This year is an opportunity to renew one's conversation with God, seeking forgiveness, purification, and growth through His word and prayer. [54:39]

Luke 10:41-42 - "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your spiritual practices are not just about doing for God but also about being with Him?

Quotes

1) "We tend to make time for what's important to us... let's make some time for what truly is an important part of our life and our walk with God." [30:42]

2) "Faithful Bible reading starts with a desire for God... I want to encourage you to begin this year 2024 with a heart for and a desire for God and his word like never before." [33:24]

3) "Prayer is not just for times when it's difficult... prayer really is that ongoing conversation that ongoing relationship and communication with God day in and day out." [46:26]

4) "Intercessory prayer... means praying for others. There's not some kind of special requirement... every single one can intercede on behalf of somebody else." [48:33]

5) "Value our time spent In God's Presence... doing things for Jesus is good, he said spending time with him is better." [54:39]

6) "Find a consistent place and a consistent time... to say here's where and when I spend some time with God in his word." [40:49]

7) "The challenge is faithful Bible reading... setting aside some time to get in the word of God." [28:40]

8) "Prayer is so much more than that... it's faithful Bible reading hopefully mixed with a purposeful prayer time that we set aside sometime in the midst of a busy life." [53:50]

9) "We can pray for others, we can pray for the lost... that we would see friends and family and neighbors and co-workers and classmates, if they don't know Jesus, would we pray and be used of God to go and to share." [50:43]

10) "It's God's word to you... if maybe there's a version or a Bible that's a little bit challenging or intimidating, check out the Bible app and tap listen or read to a variety of different ones." [32:03]

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Transcript
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