Three Prayers for Bible Study (Mid-week Message)

 

Three Prayers for Scripture Study

Fr. Tony’s Mid-week Message

BCP Proper 28

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever

hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Prayer Before Scripture Study

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without your help labor is useless and without your light search is vain.  Invigorate our studies and direct our inquiries, that we may by due diligence and right discernment establish ourselves and others in your Holy Faith.  Take not, Lord, your spirit from us, let not evil thoughts or prideful contention have dominion in our minds.  Let us not linger in ignorance and fear, but enlighten and support us  so that we be true hearers of your word, and not hearers only, but doers also, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen   (Adapted from Samuel Johnson by AAH)

Prayer for Reading the Bible

Keep these words that I command you today in your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:6) 

God, whose Word has broken into the world,

            you are always with me

            to hear what I have to say.

Quiet my mind so that I can

            hear your Holy Word.

Prepare my heart to hear our stories

            of call and return,

            failure and mercy,

            hurt and healing,

            peril and safety.

Stories of when we have turned away.

Stories of your steadfast love.

And more than hearing your Word,

Write them on my heart.

Give me the grace to know and live them.

      (Jenifer C. Gamber and Sharon Ely Pearson, Call on Me:

      A Prayer Book for Young People [Morehouse: 2012,] p. 34.)

Grace and Peace,

Fr. Tony+