Prayer Before Bible Study
(N.B. This prayer is reproduced in text form further down this page.)
The kind of prayer you will want to pray before studying the bible will very much depend on the context. Is this a personal bible study? In which case you may want to pray something that is open and vulnerable before God. Perhaps along the lines of the following:-
Lord, you know my heart,
my weaknesses,
and the times that I fail you and others.
I really need you now to speak to me through these words. Please inspire me in this time I have with you.
Amen.
However, it may be that you are leading a group bible study, and there are people present who are guests, and not so familiar with religious terminology and language. It's very important to choose the words we use on these occassions carefully. (St Paul became "...all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.", 1 Cor 9:22, NIV).
Here's an example of a short prayer for a group bible study:-
God, you have made the heavens and the earth.
You have revealed your beauty in creation
and inspired the book that we are now about to study.
Please help us now as we read together.
Take us deeper into understanding more about you
and your love for us.
Amen.
Lord, you know my heart,
my weaknesses,
and the times that I fail you and others.
I really need you now to speak to me through these words. Please inspire me in this time I have with you.
Amen.
However, it may be that you are leading a group bible study, and there are people present who are guests, and not so familiar with religious terminology and language. It's very important to choose the words we use on these occassions carefully. (St Paul became "...all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.", 1 Cor 9:22, NIV).
Here's an example of a short prayer for a group bible study:-
Prayer for a Bible Study
God, you have made the heavens and the earth.
You have revealed your beauty in creation
and inspired the book that we are now about to study.
Please help us now as we read together.
Take us deeper into understanding more about you
and your love for us.
Amen.
(a short prayer for a group bible study from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
How to Lead in Prayer
Three great tips on how to open a meeting in prayer:-
click here for several more prayers for opening meetings, church services and worship events.
Worship before Bible Study
Consider a short worship time before your study
It might be that a short time of worship would be appropriate before study. If this is the case, the psalms are a good starting point to aid worship. For example, you could read some of Psalm 63 to begin with:-
You could then guide people by inviting them to spend a moment meditating on the words of these verses, and close the worship time with a short prayer, that will lead you into the study. For example:-
It might be that a short time of worship would be appropriate before study. If this is the case, the psalms are a good starting point to aid worship. For example, you could read some of Psalm 63 to begin with:-
God—you’re my God!
I can’t get enough of you!
I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts.
2-4 So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.
I can’t get enough of you!
I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts.
2-4 So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.
Psalm 63:1-4, (The Message)
You could then guide people by inviting them to spend a moment meditating on the words of these verses, and close the worship time with a short prayer, that will lead you into the study. For example:-
Thank you God that we are here, drinking in your presence. Please inspire us now as we read your word together.
Amen.
Amen.
Prayer For Bible Study
A prayer suitable for playing as you open your bible group:-
Prayer is where the action is.
John Wesley
Here are the words to the film above:-
Opening Prayer for a Bible Study
Dear Father God,
Thank you for your faithfulness to us, for you walk with us in each moment of our lives, guiding, protecting, and inspiring us. We invite you to be present amongst us by your precious Holy Spirit.
As we open your wonderful book, we open our lives to your eternal truths and glorious love for us.
Please help us Lord as we study together now.
May these words of life dwell deeply in us and remain in our hearts from this day forwards.
We ask all this in the beautiful name of Jesus our Saviour and King.
Amen.
(prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
More resources to help with your study...
here are links to more resources in prayer and bible study