The Importance of Prayer & Bible Reading
Prayer and Bible reading are disciplines of the Christian faith. Believers are not required by church law to perform these duties. However, God Himself tells us to pray. This is expressed through the apostle Paul, who told the Christians at Ephesus, "Pray at all time and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit." Consistent prayer and Bible study strengthens Christians, teaches them and instills courage to face life's battles. Most importantly, believers are blessed by a closer relationship with God.
Other People Are Reading
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History
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Prayer and Bible reading are important because of Christ's example. He pleased God when He communicated with heartfelt prayers. Prayer was obviously important to Jesus. He spent much time in prayer especially before life-changing events like the Crucifixion. He prayed for all believers, present and future, in the high-priestly prayer of John 17.
Knowledge of God's word also was important to Jesus. He withstood the temptations of Satan by responding with scripture. Jesus prayed often, and He was an authority on the truth of the scriptures. Luke 24:27 says that "Jesus quoted passages from the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining what all the Scriptures said about himself."
Function
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Prayer serves many purposes in Christians' lives. The act of praying teaches humility and thankfulness for a sovereign Creator and provider. Praying also gives believers the opportunity to praise God. Corporate praying is also important for the edification of the church, but private prayers are a forum for confession, petition, and intercession for others.
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Types
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There are many ways to read and study the Scriptures. New believers may benefit from reading about the specific teachings of Christ in the Gospels as well as Paul's admonitions to members of the young church in his epistles in the New Testament.
Many people prefer reading the Bible in a topical manner, but others may like to read chronologically, from Genesis to Revelation. BiblePlan.org has online study tools for many Bible study methods.
Significance
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Prayer and Bible study are two main ways that God communicates with believers. Without an active prayer life and time spent meditating on God's Word, Christians will not know the true will of God for their lives. God speaks to believers through the Holy Spirit who enlightens them about the truth of scripture and how to apply it in any circumstance.
Benefits
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In his second letter to Timothy, Paul says that "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives." Christians cannot solely rely on man's law as their moral compass. The Bible teaches the laws of the higher authority of God. Similarly, prayer gives believers the opportunity to understand God's purpose for their lives. Paul also said in Colossians 1:9 that "We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom."
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References
Resources
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