An Easy Step-by-Step Method of Studying the

Bible
Christianity
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Updated April 27, 2019

There are many ways to study the Bible. This method is just one to consider.

If you need help getting started, this particular method is great for beginners but can be
geared toward any level of study. As you become more comfortable studying God's
Word, you will begin to develop your own techniques and discover favorite resources
that will make your study very personal and meaningful.

You've taken the biggest step by getting started. Now the real adventure begins.

01
of 07

Choose a Book of the Bible

One chapter at a time. Mary Fairchild

With this method, you will study an entire book of the Bible. If you've never done this
before, start with a small book, preferably from the New Testament. The book of James,
Titus, 1 Peter, or 1 John are all good choices for first-timers. Plan to spend 3-4 weeks
studying the book you have chosen.

02
of 07

Begin With Prayer

Pray for guidance. Bill Fairchild

Probably one of the most common reasons Christians don't study the Bible is based on
this complaint, "I just don't understand it!" Before you start each study session, begin by
praying and asking God to open your spiritual understanding.
The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (NIV) So, as you pray,
realize that the words you are studying are inspired by God.

Psalm 119:130 tells us, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding
to the simple." (NIV)

03
of 07

Read the Entire Book

Understanding and applying themes. Bill Fairchild

Next, you'll spend some time, perhaps several days, reading through the entire book.
Do this more than once. As you read, look for themes that may be woven into the
chapters.

Sometimes you'll detect a general message in the book. For example, in the book of
James, an obvious theme is "persevering through trials." Take notes on the ideas that
jump out at you.

Look also for "life application principles." An example of a life application principle in the
book of James is: "Make sure your faith is more than just a statement -- it should result
in action."

It's a good practice to try and pull out these themes and applications on your own as
you meditate, even before you begin using other study tools. This gives an opportunity
for God's Word to speak to you personally.

04
of 07

Zoom In

Seek deeper understanding. CaseyHillPhoto / Getty Images

Now you will slow down and read the book verse by verse, breaking down the text,
looking for deeper understanding.

Hebrews 4:12 begins with, "For the word of God is living and active..." (NIV) Are you
starting to get excited about Bible study? What a powerful statement!
In this step, we'll see what the text looks like under a microscope, as we begin breaking
it down. Using a Bible dictionary, look up the meaning of the word livingin the original
language. It is the Greek word 'Zaõ' meaning, "not only living but causing to live,
vivifying, quickening." You start to see a deeper meaning: "God's Word causes life to
come about; it quickens."

Because God's Word is alive, you can study the same passage several times and
continue to discover new, relevant applications throughout your walk of faith.

05
of 07

Choose Your Tools

Choose tools to help. Bill Fairchild

For this portion of your study, you will want to consider choosing the right tools to aid in
your learning, such as a commentary, lexicon or Bible dictionary. A Bible study guide or
perhaps a study Bible will also help you dig deeper. There are also many useful online
Bible study resources available if you have access to a computer for your study time.

As you continue to do this type of verse by verse study, there's no limit to the wealth of
understanding and growth that will come from your time spent in God's Word.

06
of 07

Be a Doer of the Word

Don't just study God's Word for the sake of studying. Be sure to put the Word into
practice in your life.

Jesus said in Luke 11:28, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and
put it into practice." (NLT)

If God speaks to you personally or through life application principles you find in the text,
be sure to apply those nuggets to your day-to-day life.

07
of 07

Set Your Own Pace

 Bill Fairchild

Once you've finished the first book, choose another one and follow the same steps. You
may want to spend much more time digging into the Old Testament and some of the
longer books of the Bible.

Before you study the Bible check out these tips to enrich
your Bible study time.
This resource is certainly not meant to complicate Bible study. On the contrary, studying
the Bible should be simple. It doesn't require a great deal of elaborate preparation, but
there are a few things that you can do to improve the quality of your Bible study time,
making it more personal and meaningful.

Get to Know the Basics of the Christian Faith

First, you may want to spend time getting to know the basics of the faith. Do you
understand what it means to be a follower of Christ? Common misconceptionsabout
Christianity can hinder your Bible study and slow your spiritual growth.

Also, you may not be aware that Christianity is the largest religion in the world today.
The Bible is the best-selling book in the U.S. every year, and approximately 72 million
Bibles are distributed worldwide each year. So I've included a few statistics to provide
you with a global look at Christianity and a greater appreciation for its distinguishing
text—the Bible.

Choose the Right Bible for You

Next you'll want to choose the Bible that best fits your wants and needs. For some it's
important to choose the Bible translation that your pastor uses. This makes it easier to
follow along during the weekly messages when your pastor preaches or teaches. For
others a study Bible with good study notes is important. You may prefer a devotional
Bible. Just know that a good quality Bible usually requires a bit of an investment. It's
important to do your research first, then select your Bible. You don't want to spend a lot
of money and then discover that the Bible is not the best one for you.

Learn How to Study the Bible

Now you're ready to learn how to study the Bible on a regular basis. One of the most
important essentials in the daily life of a Christian is spending time reading God’s Word.
And there are actually many ways to study the Bible. I offer one method to help you get
started. This particular method is great for beginners; however, it can be geared toward
any level of study. As you become more comfortable with Bible study, you will begin to
develop your own techniques and discover favorite resources that will make your Bible
study very personal and meaningful.

Additional Tools for Studying the Bible

Lastly, as you develop your own Bible study methods, you may want to include some
additional tools that will help you go further and deeper into understanding and applying
the Word of God. A Bible reading plan is crucial to remaining consistent and disciplined
as you make it a practice to read through the entire Bible. Today a wealth of Bible
commentaries and Bible software programs are available. These suggestions are meant
to help you choose the tools that best suit you.

New Christians quite often have misconceptions about God, the Christian life and other
believers. This look at the common misconceptions of Christianity is designed to dispel
some of the myths that typically hinder new Christians from growing and maturing in the
faith.

Once you become a Christian, God will solve all of your

problems
Many new Christians are shocked when the first trial or serious crisis hits. Here's a
reality check -- get prepared -- the Christian life is not always easy! You will still face
ups and downs, challenges and joys. You will have problems and troubles to overcome.
This verse offers encouragement for Christians facing difficult situations:

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something
strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so
that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (NIV) 1 Peter 4:12-13

Becoming a Christian means giving up all fun and

following a life of rules
A joyless existence of mere rule-following is not true Christianity and the abundant life
God intends for you. Rather, this describes a man-made experience of legalism. God
has amazing adventures planned for you. These verses give a description of what it
means to experience God's life:

Then you will not be condemned for doing something you know is all right. For the Kingdom of
God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in
the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will
approve of you, too. (NLT) Romans 14:16-18

However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those
who love him" — (NIV) 1 Corinthians 2:9

All Christians are loving, perfect people

Well, it doesn't take very long to discover that this is not true. But being prepared to
meet the imperfections and failures of your new family in Christ can spare you future
pain and disillusionment. Although Christians strive to be like Christ, we will never
obtain complete sanctification until we stand before the Lord. In fact, God uses our
imperfections to "grow us" in the faith. If not, there would be no need to forgive one
another.

As we learn to live in harmony with our new family, we rub each other like sandpaper.
It's painful at times, but the result brings about a spiritual smoothing and softening to our
rough edges.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV) Colossians 3:13
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to
take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to
have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is
ahead ... (NIV) Philippians 3:12-13

Bad things don't happen to truly godly Christians

This point goes along with point number one, however, the focus is slightly different.
Often Christians begin to wrongly believe that if they live a godly Christian life, God will
protect them from pain and suffering. Paul, a hero of the faith, suffered much:

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with
rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open
sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from
bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in
danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. (NIV) 2 Corinthians
11:24-26

Some faith groups believe the Bible promises health, wealth and prosperity for all who
live a godly life. But this teaching is false. Jesus never taught this to his followers. You
may experience these blessings in your life, but they are not a reward for godly living. At
times we experience tragedy, pain, and loss in life. This is not always a result of sin, as
some would claim, but rather, for a greater purpose that we may not understand
immediately. We may never understand, but we can trust God in these difficult times,
and know he has a purpose.
Rick Warren says in his popular book, The Purpose Driven Life - "Jesus did not die on
the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far
deeper: He wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven."

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure
many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure.
It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than
mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much
praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (NLT)
1 Peter 1:6-7

Christian ministers and missionaries are more spiritual

than other believers
This is a subtle but persistent misconception that we carry in our minds as believers.
Because of this false notion, we end up putting ministers and missionaries on "spiritual
pedestals" accompanied by unrealistic expectations. When one of these heroes falls
from our self-constructed perch, it tends to make us fall too -- away from God. Don't let
this happen in your life. You may have to continually guard yourself against this subtle
deception.

Paul, Timothy's spiritual father, taught him this truth - we are all sinners on an equal
playing field with God and each other:

This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners--and I was the worst of them all. But that is why God had mercy on me so that Christ
Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then
others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (NLT) 1 Timothy
1:15-16

Christian churches are always safe places, where you can

trust everyone
Although this should be true, it is not. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world where evil
resides. Not everyone who enters the church has honorable intentions, and even some
who do come with good intentions can fall back into old patterns of sin. One of the most
dangerous places in Christian churches, if not properly guarded, is the children's
ministry. Churches that don't implement background checks, team-led classrooms, and
other security measures, leave themselves open to many dangerous threats.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking
whom he may devour. (NKJV) 1 Peter 5:8
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and
harmless as doves. (KJV) Matthew 10:16
Christians should never say anything that might offend
someone or hurt someone else's feelings
Many new believers have a wrong understanding of meekness and humility. The idea of
godly meekness involves having strength and courage, but the kind of strength that is
submitted to God's control. True humility recognizes complete dependence upon God
and knows we have no goodness in ourselves except that which is found in Christ.
Sometimes our love for God and our fellow Christians, and obedience to God's Word
compel us to speak words that may hurt someone's feelings or offend them. Some
people call this "tough love."

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and
there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful
scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the
Head, that is, Christ. (NIV) Ephesians 4:14-15
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (NIV) Proverbs 27:6

As a Christian, you should not associate with unbelievers

I am always saddened when I hear so-called "seasoned" believers teaching this false
notion to new Christians. Yes, it is true that you may have to break off some of the
unhealthy relationships you have had with people from your past life of sin. At least for
awhile, you may need to do this until you are strong enough to resist the temptations of
your old lifestyle. However, Jesus, our example, made it his mission (and ours) to
associate with sinners. How will we attract those who need a Savior, if we don't build
relationships with them?

When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to
Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do
all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings. (NLT) 1 Corinthians
9:22-23

Christians should not enjoy any earthly pleasures

I believe God created all of the good, wholesome, enjoyable, and fun things we have on
this earth as a blessing for us to enjoy. The key is not holding on to these earthly things
too tightly. We should grasp and enjoy our blessings with our palms held open and tilted
up.

And (Job) said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD
gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (NIV) Job 1:21

Christians always feel close to God

As a new Christian, you may feel very close to God. Your eyes have just been opened
to a brand new, exciting life with God. However, you should be prepared for dry
seasons in your walk with God. They are bound to come. A life-long walk of faith
requires trust and commitment even when you don't feel close to God. In these verses,
David expresses sacrifices of praise to God in the midst of spiritual times of drought:

[A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.] O God, you are my God, earnestly I
seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is
no water. (NIV) Psalm 63:1
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?" (NIV) Psalm 42:1-3

Are you a brand new follower of Christ, wondering where to get started on your journey?
Here are four essential steps to move you forward toward spiritual growth. Though
simple, they are vital to building your relationship with the Lord.

Step 1 – Read your Bible daily.

Perhaps the most important activity in the Christian life is spending time reading the
Bible daily. The Bible contains messages of love and hope from God to you. The
clearest way God will communicate with you is through his words in the Bible.

It's essential to find a Bible reading plan that’s right for you. A plan will keep you from
missing anything God has written in his Word. Also, if you follow the plan, you’ll be on
your way to reading through the Bible once every year. The easiest way to truly “grow
up” in the faith is to make Bible reading a priority.

As a new believer, choosing which Bible to read might seem overwhelming or confusing
with so many editions on the market today. If you need help selecting a Bible to
purchase, here are some great tips to consider before buying. (Note: You may want to
consider listening to the Bible daily as an alternative or in addition to reading the Bible.)

Step 2 – Meet together with other believers regularly.

The reason we attend church or gather with other believers regularly (Hebrews 10:25) is
for teaching, fellowship, worship, communion, prayer, and to build one another up in the
faith (Acts 2:42-47). Finding a way to participate in the body of Christ is fundamental to
spiritual growth. If you’re having trouble in your search for a good church home, check
out these resources on how to find a church that’s right for you.
Also, if you've never been to a Christian church service, here's a simple guide to a
typical Christian worship service to help you know what to expect.

Step 3 – Get involved in a ministry group.

Most churches offer small group meetings and various ministry opportunities. Pray and
ask God where he would want you to get "plugged in." Believers who connect with other
Christians and discover their purpose are the ones who naturally grow in their walk with
Christ. Sometimes this takes a little time, but most churches offer classes or counseling
to help you find the place that’s right for you.

Don’t get discouraged if the first thing you try doesn’t seem to fit. Once you get involved
in a meaningful project with other Christians, you'll see the challenge was worth the
effort.

Step 4 – Pray daily.

Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t have to use big fancy words. There are no
right and wrong words. Just be yourself. Give thanks to the Lord daily for your salvation.
Pray for others in need. Pray for direction. Pray for the Lord to fill you daily with his Holy
Spirit. There is no limit to prayer. You can pray with your eyes closed or open, while
sitting or standing, kneeling or lying on your bed, anywhere, anytime. So begin today
to make prayer a part of your daily routine.

More Avenues of Spiritual Growth

Once you've made these four essential steps a regular part of your Christian life, it won't
be long before you're eager to venture even deeper into your relationship with Jesus
Christ. But don't feel rushed or get ahead of yourself and God. Remember, you have all
eternity to grow in faith. Below you'll find a few more avenues of faith that are inherent to
spiritual growth.

Study Your Bible

One obvious way to venture further in the faith is to begin to go deeper into Bible study.
This step-by-step method is particularly useful for beginners but can be geared toward
any level of study. As you become more comfortable with Bible study, you will begin to
develop your own techniques and discover favorite resources that will make your study
personal and meaningful.

Here are some top study Bibles to consider. Keep in mind, Bible study doesn't require a
great deal of elaborate preparation or a huge resource library. Almost all study Bibles
contain commentaries, devotionals, character studies, maps, charts, and detailed book
introductions designed to help you apply biblical truth in practical ways.
Get Baptized
When you follow the Lord in believer's baptism, you make an outward confession of the
inward change that has taken place in your life. By descending into the waters of
baptism, you openly identify with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. If
you have not already done so, the time might be right to consider taking this next big
step in your walk of faith.

Do Daily Devotions
Rather than a chore, spending time with God daily is the privilege of every true believer.
Those who discover the joy of intimate, daily fellowship the Lord are never the same.
Getting started with a daily devotional plan merely requires a bit of planning. These
steps will help you put together a custom plan that's right for you. In no time you'll be
well on your way to exciting adventures with God.

Avoid Temptation
Temptation is something all Christians face. Even Jesus faced Satan's temptations in
the wilderness. No matter how long you've been following Christ, temptations will
present themselves.

At times you may feel far away from God, something Christians call being backslidden.
The walk of faith is often difficult and we wander off track. Don't beat yourself up over
your failures. Instead, pick yourself up and get back in the game. Here you'll find some
practical things you can begin to do to grow stronger and smarter in your struggles with
sin: Learn to avoid temptation by practicing these five steps.

Is your prayer life a struggle? Does praying seem like an exercise in eloquent speech
that you just don't possess? Find biblical answers to many of your questions about
prayer.

What Does the Bible Say About Prayer?

Prayer is not a mysterious practice reserved only for clergy and the religiously devout.
Prayer is simply communicating with God—listening and talking to him. Believers
can pray from the heart, freely, spontaneously, and in their own words. If prayer is a
difficult area for you, learn these basics principles of prayer and how to apply them in
your life.

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer. The first mention of prayer is in Genesis
4:26: "And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then
men began to call on the name of the LORD." (NKJV)
What Is the Correct Posture for Prayer?
There is no correct or certain posture for prayer. In the Bible people prayed on their
knees (1 Kings 8:54), bowing (Exodus 4:31), on their faces before God (2 Chronicles
20:18; Matthew 26:39), and standing (1 Kings 8:22). You may pray with your eyes
opened or closed, quietly or out loud—in whatever way you are most comfortable and
least distracted.

Should I Use Eloquent Words?

Your prayers need not be wordy or impressive in speech:

"When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their
prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again."(Matthew
6:7, NLT)

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before
God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be
few.(Ecclesiastes 5:2, NIV)

Why Should I Pray?

Prayer develops our relationship with God. If we never speak to our spouse or never
listen to anything our spouse might have to say to us, our marriage relationship will
quickly deteriorate. It is the same way with God. Prayer—communicating with God—
helps us grow closer and more intimately connected with God.

I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are
refined and purified by fire. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say,
'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' " (Zechariah 13:9,
NLT)

But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you
like, and it will be granted! (John 15:7, NLT)

The Lord instructed us to pray. One of the simplest reasons to spend time in prayer is
because the Lord taught us to pray. Obedience to God is a natural by-product of
discipleship.

"Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is
willing enough, the body is weak!" (Matthew 26:41, NLT)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and
not give up. (Luke 18:1, NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in
mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18, NIV)

What If I Don't Know How to Pray?

The Holy Spirit will help you in prayer when you don't know how to pray:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to
pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit
intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.(Romans 8:26-27, NIV)

Are There Requirements for Successful Prayer?

The Bible establishes a few requirements for successful prayer:

 A humble heart

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek
my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive
their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)

 Wholeheartedness

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13,
NIV)

 Faith

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24, NIV)

 Righteousness

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be
healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16, NIV)

 Obedience

And we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that
please him. (1 John 3:22, NLT)

Does God Hear and Answer Prayer?

God hears and answers our prayers. Here are examples from the Bible.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their
troubles. (Psalm 34:17, NIV)

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him
and honor him. (Psalm 91:15, NIV)

Why Are Some Prayers Not Answered?

Sometimes our prayers are not answered. The Bible gives several reasons or causes
for failure in prayer:

 Disobedience - Deuteronomy 1:45; 1 Samuel 14:37

 Secret Sin - Psalm 66:18
 Indifference - Proverbs 1:28
 Neglect of mercy - Proverbs 21:13
 Despising the Law - Proverbs 28:9
 Bloodguiltiness - Isaiah 1:15
 Iniquity - Isaiah 59:2; Micah 3:4
 Stubbornness - Zechariah 7:13
 Instability or Doubt - James 1:6-7
 Self-indulgence - James 4:3

Sometimes our prayers are refused. Prayer must be in accord with God's divine will:

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to
his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14, NIV)

(See also - Deuteronomy 3:26; Ezekiel 20:3)

Should I Pray Alone or with Others?

God wants us to pray together with other believers:

Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be
done for you by my Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:19, NIV)

And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were
praying outside. (Luke 1:10, NIV)

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the
mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14, NIV)

God also wants us to pray alone and in secret:

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is
unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.(Matthew
6:6, NIV)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went
off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35, NIV)

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him
and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and
prayed. (Luke 5:15-16, NIV)

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and
continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12, NKJV)

byPastor Danny Hodges

Updated May 03, 2019

This study on how to develop a prayer life is an excerpt from the booklet Spending Time
With God by Pastor Danny Hodges of Calvary Chapel Fellowship in St. Petersburg,
Florida.

How to Develop a Prayer Life Through Spending Time With

God
Prayer is the second essential ingredient of fellowship with God. Prayer is simply talking
to God. Through prayer, not only do we talk to God, but He talks to us. Jesus perfectly
demonstrated what a prayer life should be like. He often withdrew to lonely, solitary
places and prayed.

Here are four practical suggestions regarding prayer that we find in the life of Jesus.

Find a Quiet Place

You're probably thinking, You haven't been to my house—there isn't one! Then find the
quietest place you can. If it's possible for you to leave and go to a quiet place, do that.
But be consistent. Find a place you can go to on a regular basis. In Mark 1:35, it says,
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went
off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Notice, he went to a solitary place.

It is my conviction and my personal experience, that if we don't learn to hear Godin the
quiet place, we won't hear Him in the noise. I really believe that. We learn to hear Him in
the solitude first, and as we hear Him in the quiet place, we will take Him with us into the
day. And in time, as we mature, we'll learn to hear God's voice even in the noise. But, it
starts in the quiet place.
Always Include Thanksgiving
David wrote in Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving …" Notice it says "his
gates." The gates were on the way to the palace. The gates were on the way to the
king. Once we've found a quiet place, we start getting our minds set to have a meeting
with the King. As we come to the gates, we want to enter in with thanksgiving. Jesus
was always giving thanks to the Father. Again and again, throughout the gospels, we
find the words, "and he gave thanks."

In my personal devotional life, the first thing I do is type a letter to God on my computer.
I write down the date and begin, "Dear Father, thank You so much for a good night's
sleep." If I didn't sleep well, I say, "Thank You for the rest You gave me," because He
didn't have to give me any. I thank Him for a warm shower because I've known how it
feels to take a cold one! I thank Him for Honey Nut Cheerios. On the days that Honey
Nut Cheerios aren't there, I thank Him for Raisin Bran—second best. I thank God these
days for my computers, both in the office and at home. I type it out, "Lord, thank You for
this computer." I thank God for my truck, especially when it's running.

There are things I thank God for these days that I never used to mention. I used to
thank Him for all the big things—for my family, health, life, etc. But as time goes by, I
find that I'm thanking Him more and more for the smallest things. We will always find
something to thank God for. Paul said in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxiousabout
anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God." So, always include thanksgiving in your prayers.

Be Specific
When you pray, pray specifically. Don't just pray for things in general. For example,
don't ask God to help sick people, but rather, pray for "John Smith" who is having open-
heart surgery next Monday. Instead of praying for God to bless all the missionaries,
pray for specific missionaries that you personally know or those that your local church
supports.

Years ago, as a young Christian in college, I was on my way to South Carolina from
Virginia to visit my family when my car died. I had a little blue Plymouth Cricket. Thank
God they're not making those cars anymore! I was working two part-time jobs to help
pay my tuition—one as a custodian, and the other painting houses. I really needed a car
to get to and from my jobs. So, I earnestly prayed, "Lord, I'm having trouble. I need a
car. Please help me get another car."

While in college I also had the privilege of playing drums for a ministry team that did a
lot of youth work in churches and high schools. Two weeks after my car broke down we
were at a church in Maryland, and I was staying with a family from this particular church.
We had ministered there over the weekend and we were in their Sunday night service,
our last night in Maryland. When the service ended, the fellow I was staying with came
up to me and said, "I hear you need a car."
A little surprised, I answered, "Yeah, I sure do." Somehow he had heard through my
teammates that my car had died.

He said, "I have a car at my house that I'd like to give you. Listen, it's late tonight. You
guys have been busy all weekend. I'm not going to let you drive it back to Virginia
tonight. You're too tired. But the first chance you get, you come up here and get this car.
It's yours."

I was speechless. I was pumped. I was psyched! I began thanking God that He had
answered my prayers. It wasn't hard to be thankful at that moment. Then he told me
what kind of car it was. It was a Plymouth Cricket—an orange Plymouth Cricket! My old
car had been blue, and looking back, the color was the only thing I had liked about it.
So, God began to teach me through that experience to pray specifically. If you're going
to pray for a car, don't just pray for any car. Pray for the car you think you need. Be
specific. Now, don't expect a brand new Mercedes (or whatever your favorite car might
be) just because you prayed for one. God doesn't always give you exactly what you ask
for, but He will always meet your need.

Pray Biblically
Jesus gave us the pattern for prayer in Matthew 6:9-13:

This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your
kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily
bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (NIV)

This is a biblical model for prayer, addressing the Father in reverence for His holiness,
praying for His kingdom and His will to be done before asking for our needs to be met.
When we learn to pray for what He wants, we find that we receive those things we ask
for.

As we begin to grow and mature in the Lord, our prayer life will mature also. As we
spend regular time feasting on the Word of God, we will find many other prayers in the
Scriptures that we can pray for ourselves and others. We will claim those prayers as our
own, and as a result, begin to pray biblically. For instance, I mentioned this prayer
earlier in Ephesians 1:17-18a, where Paul says:

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you
the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the
eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he
has called you... (NIV)

Did you know I find myself praying that prayer for the members of our church? I pray
that prayer for my wife. I pray it for my children. When Scripture says to pray for kings
and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2), I find myself praying for our president and
 other government officials. When the Bible says to pray for the peace of Jerusalem
(Psalm 122:6), I find myself praying for the Lord to send lasting peace to Israel. And I
have learned by spending time in the Word, that when I pray for the peace of
Jerusalem, I'm praying for the only One who can bring peace to Jerusalem, and that's
Jesus. I'm praying for Jesus to come. In praying these prayers, I am praying biblically.

How to Do Daily Devotions

Use these 10 steps to build a purposeful daily devotional time
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Christianity
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byMary Fairchild
Updated June 25, 2019

Many people view the Christian life as a long list of dos and don'ts. They haven’t yet
discovered that spending time with God is a privilege that we get to do and not a chore
or obligation that we have to do.

Getting started with daily devotions takes only a bit of planning. There's no set standard
of what your devotional time should look like, so relax and take a deep breath. You've
got this!

These steps will help you put together a custom daily devotional plan that's right for you.
Within 21 days—the time it takes to form a habit—you'll be well on your way to exciting
new adventures with God.

How to Do Devotions in 10 Steps

1. Decide on a Time. If you view your time spent with God as an appointment to be kept
on your daily calendar, you'll be less apt to skip it. While there's no right or wrong time of
day, doing devotions first thing in the morning is the best time to avoid interruptions. We
seldom receive a phone call or unexpected visitor at six in the morning. Whatever time
 you choose, let it be the best time of day for you. Perhaps a lunch break fits better into
your agenda, or before bed each night.
2. Decide on a Place. Finding the right place is key to your success. If you try to spend
quality time with God lying in bed with the lights off, failure is inevitable. Create a place
specifically for your daily devotions. Choose a comfortable chair with good reading light.
Beside it, keep a basket filled with all of your devotional tools: Bible, pen, journal,
devotional book, and reading plan. When you arrive to do devotions, everything will be
ready for you.
3. Decide on a Time Frame. There's no standard time frame for personal devotions. You
decide how much time you can realistically commit to each day. Start with 15 minutes.
This time may stretch into more as you get the hang of it. Some people can commit to 30
minutes, others an hour or more a day. Begin with a realistic goal. If you aim too high,
failure will quickly discourage you.

1. Decide on a General Structure. Think about how you want to structure your devotions
and how much time you’ll spend on each part of your plan. Consider this an outline or
agenda for your meeting, so you don’t wander about aimlessly and end up
accomplishing nothing. The next four steps cover some typical activities.
2. Choose a Bible Reading Plan or Bible Study. Choosing a Bible reading plan or study
guide will help you have a more focused time of reading and study. If you pick up your
Bible and start reading randomly each day, you may have a difficult time understanding
or applying what you've read to your daily life.
3. Spend Time in Prayer. Prayer is simply two-way communication with God. Talk to him,
tell him about your struggles and cares, and then listen to his voice. Some Christians
forget that prayer includes listening. Give God time to speak to you in his still small voice
(1 Kings 19:12 NKJV). One of the loudest ways God speaks to us is through his
Word. Spend time meditating on what you read and let God speak into your life.

1. Spend Time in Worship. God created us to praise him. First Peter 2:9 says, "But you
are a chosen people...belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (NIV). You can express praise silently
or declare it in a loud voice. You may want to include a worship song in your devotional
time.
2. Consider Writing in a Journal. Many Christians find that journaling helps them stay on
track during their devotional time. Journaling your thoughts and prayers provides a
valuable record. Later you'll be encouraged when you go back and note the progress
you’ve made or see the evidence of answered prayers. Journaling is not for everyone.
Give it a try and see if it’s right for you. Some Christians go through seasons of
journaling as their relationship with God changes and develops. If journaling isn't right for
you now, consider attempting it again in the future.
3. Commit to Your Daily Devotional Plan. Keeping your commitment is the hardest part
of getting started. Determine in your heart to stay the course, even when you fail or miss
a day. Don't beat yourself up when you mess up. Just pray and ask God to help you, and
then be sure to start over again the next day. The rewards you'll experience as you grow
deeper in love with God will be worth it.

1. Be Flexible With Your Plan.If you get stuck in a rut, try going back to step 1. Perhaps
your plan is no longer working for you. Change it up until you find the perfect fit.

Tips
 1. Consider using First15 or Daily Audio Bible, two great tools to get you started.
2. Do devotions for 21 days. By then it will become a habit.
3. Ask God to give you the desire and discipline to spend time with him each day.
4. Don’t give up. Eventually, you'll discover the blessings of your obedience.

You'll Need
 Bible
 Pen or pencil
 Notebook or journal
 Bible Reading plan
 Bible study or study aid
 Quiet place

Biblical decision making begins with a willingness to submit our intentions to God's
perfect will and humbly follow his direction. The problem is most of us don't know how to
figure out God's will in every decision we face—especially the big, life-altering decisions.

This step-by-step plan lays out a spiritual road map for biblical decision making.

10 Steps
1. Begin with prayer. Frame your attitude into one of trust and obedience as you
commit the decision to prayer. There's no reason to be fearful in decision making
when you are secure in the knowledge that God has your best interest in
mind. Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
2. Define the decision. Ask yourself if the decision involves a moral or non-moral
area. It is actually a little easier to discern the will of God in moral areas because
most of the time you will find a clear direction in God's Word. If God has already
revealed his will in Scripture, your only response is to obey. Non-moral areas still
require the application of biblical principles, however, sometimes the direction is
harder to distinguish. Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (NIV)
3. Be ready to accept and obey God's answer. It's unlikely that God will reveal
his plan if he knows already that you won't obey. It is absolutely essential that
you will be completely submitted to God's. When your will is humbly and fully
submitted to the Master, you can have confidence that he will illuminate your
path. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. (NLT)
1. Exercise faith. Remember too, that decision making is a process that takes
time. You may have to resubmit your will over and over again to God throughout
the process. Then by faith, which pleases God, trust him with a confident heart
that he will reveal his will. Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to
him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek
him. (NIV)
2. Seek a concrete direction. Begin investigating, evaluating and gathering
information. Find out what the Bible says about the situation? Gain practical and
personal information that relates to the decision, and begin writing down what
you learn.
3. Obtain counsel. In difficult decisions, it's wise to get spiritual and practical
counsel from the godly leaders in your life. A pastor, elder, parent, or simply a
mature believer can often contribute important insight, answer questions, remove
doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer
sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to hear. Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV)

1. Make a list. First, write down the priorities you believe God would have in your
situation. These are not the things that are important to you, but rather the things
that are most important to God in this decision. Will the outcome of your decision
draw you closer to God? Will it glorify him in your life? How will it impact those
around you?
2. Weigh the decision. Make a list of the pros and cons connected with the
decision. You may find that something on your list clearly violates the revealed
will of God in his Word. If so, you have your answer. This is not his will. If not,
then you now have a realistic picture of your options to help you make a
responsible decision.
3. Choose your spiritual priorities. By this time you should have enough
information to establish your spiritual priorities as they relate to the decision. Ask
yourself which decision best satisfies those priorities? If more than one option will
fulfill your established priorities, then choose the one which is your strongest
desire! Sometimes God gives you a choice. In this case, there is
no right and wrong decision, but rather freedom from God to choose, based on
your preferences. Both options are within God's perfect will for your life and both
will lead to the fulfillment of God's purpose for your life.

1. Act on your decision. If you have arrived at your decision with the sincere
intention of pleasing the heart of God, incorporating biblical principles and wise
counsel, you can proceed with confidence knowing that God will work out his
purposes through your decision. Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
One of the names of God is Jehovah-Rapha, "the Lord who heals." In Exodus 15:26,
God declares that he is the healer of his people. The passage refers specifically to
healing from physical disease:

He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his
sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of
the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you." (NLT)

The Bible records a considerable number of physical healing accounts in the Old
Testament. Likewise, in the ministry of Jesus and his disciples, healing miracles are
prominently highlighted. And throughout the ages of church history, believers have
continued to testify of God's power to divinely heal the sick.

So, if God by his own nature declares himself Healer, why doesn't God heal everyone?

Why did God use Paul to heal the father of Publius who was ill with fever and dysentery,
as well as many other sick people, yet not his beloved disciple Timothy who suffered
from frequent stomach illnesses?

Why Doesn't God Heal Everyone?

Perhaps you are suffering from a sickness right now. You've prayed every healing Bible
verse you know, and still, you're left wondering, Why won't God heal me?

Maybe you've recently lost a loved one to cancer or some other terrible disease. It's
only natural to ask the question: Why does God heal some people but not others?

The quick and obvious answer to the question rests in God's sovereignty. God is in
control and ultimately he knows what's best for his creations. While this is certainly true,
there are several clear-cut reasons given in Scripture to further explain why God may
not heal.

Biblical Reasons God May Not Heal

Now, before we dive in, I want to admit something: I don't fully understand all of the
reasons God does not heal. I have struggled with my own personal "thorn in the flesh"
for years. I'm referring to 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, where the Apostle Paulstated:

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My grace is all you
need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so
that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT)

Like Paul, I pleaded (in my case for years) for relief, for healing. Eventually, like the
apostle, I resolved in my weakness to live in the sufficiency of God's grace.
During my earnest quest for answers about healing, I was fortunate to learn a few
things. And so I will pass those on to you:

Unconfessed Sin
We'll cut to the chase with this first one: sometimes sickness is the result of
unconfessed sin. I know, I didn't like this answer either, but it's right there in Scripture:

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The
earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James
5:16, NLT)

I want to stress that sickness is not always the direct result of sin in someone's life, but
pain and disease are part of this fallen, cursed world in which we currently live. We must
be careful not to blame every sickness on sin, but we must also realize it is one possible
reason. Thus, a good place to begin if you've come to the Lord for healing is to search
your heart and confess your sins.

Lack of Faith
When Jesus healed the sick, on many occasions he made this statement: "Your faith
has made you well."

In Matthew 9:20-22, Jesus healed the woman who had suffered for many years with
constant bleeding:

Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind
him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be
healed."
Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has
made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment. (NLT)

Here are a few more biblical examples of healing in response to faith:

Matthew 9:28–29; Mark 2:5, Luke 17:19; Acts 3:16; James 5:14–16.

Apparently, there is an important link between faith and healing. Given the multitude of
Scriptures connecting faith to healing, we must conclude that sometimes healing does
not occur because of a lack of faith, or better, the pleasing kind of faith that God honors.
Again, we must be careful not to assume every time someone isn't healed the reason is
a lack of faith.

Failure to Ask
If we don't ask and earnestly desire to be healed, God won't answer. When Jesus saw a
lame man who had been sick for 38 years he asked, "Would you like to get well?" That
may seem like an odd question from Jesus, but immediately the man gave excuses: "I
can't, sir," he said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up.
Someone else always gets there ahead of me." (John 5:6-7, NLT) Jesus looked into the
man's heart and saw his reluctance to be healed.

Maybe you know someone who is addicted to stress or crisis. They don't know how to
behave without turmoil in their life, and so they begin to orchestrate their own
atmosphere of chaos. Similarly, some people may not want to be healed because
they've linked their personal identity so closely with their illness. These individuals may
fear the unknown aspects of life beyond their sickness, or crave the attention that the
affliction provides.

James 4:2 plainly states, "You do not have, because you do not ask." (ESV)

Need for Deliverance

Scripture also indicates that some illnesses are caused by spiritual or demonic
influences.

And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then
Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was
with him. (Acts 10:38, NLT)

In Luke 13, Jesus healed a woman crippled by an evil spirit:

One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been
crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand
up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Dear woman, you are healed of
your sickness!" Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised
God!(Luke 13:10-13)

Even Paul called his thorn in the flesh a "messenger from Satan":

...even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from
becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and
keep me from becoming proud. (2 Corinthians 12:7, NLT)

So, there are times when a demonic or spiritual cause must be addressed before
healing can occur.

A Higher Purpose
C.S. Lewis wrote in his book, The Problem of Pain: "God whispers to us in our
pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain, it is his megaphone to
rouse a deaf world."

We may not understand it at the time, but sometimes God desires to do more than
simply heal our physical bodies. Often, in his infinite wisdom, God will use physical
suffering to develop our character and produce spiritual growth in us.

I've discovered, but only through looking back on my life, that God had a higher purpose
for letting me struggle for years with a painful disability. Rather than healing me, God
used the trial to redirect me, first, toward a desperate dependence on him, and second,
to the path of purpose and destiny he had planned for my life. He knew where I would
be most productive and fulfilled serving him, and he knew the path it would take to get
me there.

I'm not suggesting that you ever stop praying for healing, but also ask God to show you
the higher plan or better purpose he may be accomplishing through your pain.

God's Glory
Sometimes when we pray for healing, our situation goes from bad to worse. When this
happens, it's possible that God is planning to do something powerful and wonderful,
something that will bring even greater glory to his name.

When Lazarus died, Jesus waited to travel to Bethany because he knew he would
perform an amazing miracle there, for the glory of God. Many people who witnessed
the raising of Lazarus put their faith in Jesus Christ. Over and over, I've seen believers
suffer terribly and even die from an illness, yet through it they pointed countless lives
toward God's salvation plan.

God's Time
Pardon me if this seems blunt, but we all must die (Hebrews 9:27). And, as part of our
fallen state, death is often accompanied by sickness and suffering as we leave behind
our body of flesh and step into the afterlife.

So, one reason healing may not occur is that it's simply God's time to take a believer
home.

In the days surrounding my research and writing of this study on healing, my mother-in-
law passed away. Along with my husband and family, we watched her make her journey
from earth into eternal life. Reaching the age of 90, there was a good deal of suffering in
her final years, months, weeks and days. But now she is free from pain. She is healed
and whole in the presence of our Savior.
Death is the ultimate healing for the believer. And, we have this wonderful promise to
look forward to when we reach our final destination at home with God in heaven:

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or
pain. All these things are gone forever. (Revelation 21:4, NLT)

war closet, or war binder. Or maybe you call them a prayer room, prayer
closet, or prayer binder. However you name it, all of these spaces are
designated places to spend time in prayer for the struggles you, your family,
and others in your life face and who need prayer support.
And a place of prayer needs God’s Word. Praying scripture and God’s
promises over your life is a powerful way to pray. And so equipping yourself
with scriptures that will help you in spiritual warfare is vital.
These 18 scriptures are essential verses you’ll need for your war room, prayer
room, war binder, etc.

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from
you.”

2 Corinthians 10:5
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ;”

Ephesians 6:10-18
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put
on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles
of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the
whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with
truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with
the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

John 8:32
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh
findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of lov e, and of
a sound mind.”

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light.”

Matthew 19:26
“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but
with God all things are possible.”

Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for
the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor
forsake thee.”

Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my
strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and
my high tower.”

Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount
up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall
walk, and not faint.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will
strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right
hand of my righteousness.”

1 Corinthians 16:13
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:9
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy
paths.”

Psalm 23:1-6
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he
leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before
me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup
runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
Psalm 91:4-6
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror
by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that
walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”