In our Back to the Basics series, we have examined the Simply Bible format for knowing and enjoying God through the Bible. We have reviewed each step—observe, interpret, and apply. We have looked closely at our various tools, such as keywords, cross-references, and the main point. Together, these pieces and parts cover the “how to” of Simply Bible studies. In the process, we have also highlighted the why of studying the Bible. Why do we do it? To know and enjoy God. In other words, we study the Bible in order to grow in our friendship with God. This leads us to the final step in our Back to the Basics series: prayer. Prayer allows us to feast with God at the Bible study table.
Prayer is a critical part of the Simply Bible study format. The purpose of these study guides is to help you commune with God—to enjoy a conversation with Him as you study. The flexible design provides room to be curious with God—to ask Him questions and to listen. The daily prayer box at the end of each day reminds us that Bible study is for more than just gaining knowledge about God and ourselves. Bible study is about relationship, about knowing and enjoying the One who reveals Himself through His Word.
Prayer is key to feasting with God.
First and foremost, prayer reminds us that during our study we have not only learned about God, but we have communed with Him through his Word. Moreover, it is through prayer that at the end of our study time we willingly authorize God to transform our hearts and minds to be like His. Through prayer, we are united with Him.
In the words of Tim Keller:
“Prayer turns theology into experience.”
Imagine that you have prepared a feast for someone you love, but your loved one only observes the food, admiring the colors, textures, and presentation. Certainly, your loved one might better understand how to cook and serve a meal, and maybe even begins planning how to apply the same skills and knowledge. Yet all the while, your loved one does not take a bite of the food nor invite you to feast at the table. Despite all their careful observation and analysis, they have missed the point. They have not tasted! They have not shared in the feast with you!
I am catching up after Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations. During the holidays, I enjoyed feasting with family for nearly three weeks. When my husband, children, and grandchildren are together, there are twelve of us: ten adults and two children. It is feasting morning, noon, and night. Delightful chaos!
When we gather around the table, my husband usually leads us in prayer. This year, he happily received help from our three-year-old granddaughter who eagerly volunteered to pray. (Yes, she melted our hearts!) Prayer at meals is a time to thank God for His provision and blessing, but even more, it is a time to remember that He is at the table feasting with us.
We gather and feast in the safety of his presence.
Similarly, as we wrap up a day’s Simply Bible lesson, we close with prayer to thank God for His provision, but even more to remember that He is present with us, enabling us to walk with Him, practice the truth, and shine His light to others. In prayer, we seek to be aligned with Him.
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another… I John 1:5-7
Prayer is the key to fellowship with God and others. Prayer enables us to feast with God at our Bible study tables. When we pray, we ask God to seal the truths we have learned about Him and ourselves in our hearts so that we might continue the feast as we go and do and walk in the light of His presence. In this way, God transforms our hearts to be like His—full of love, life, joy, and peace.
What does your study time look like? Are you feasting with God or rushing to fill in all the spaces?
Listen: that blank space is holy ground.
It is where we converse with God about His Word. When we observe closely, seeking to understand God, He speaks to our inner beings. God’s primary concern is our hearts. The Simply Bible study format will guide you into deeper communion with God so that He might reveal Himself to you, and you might reveal yourself to Him. Then, with God, we tuck these truths into the pockets of our hearts and carry them with us in the light of His presence for the rest of the day. Prayer at the table of Bible study leads to feasting with Him morning, noon, and night.
Oh, Lord! Teach us to pray. We want to be open and honest with You as we seek to know, enjoy, and feast with You through your Word. Turn our theology into experiencing friendship with You.
