Last on our menu of Biblical writing is prayer and praise. However, rather than take these together in one giant post, let's look at them separately.

Prayers recorded in Scripture aren't much different from those we pray ourselves. Look for God's name and then the requests usually follow with the verbs leading the way.

• "Our Father in heaven … give us this day our daily bread, … forgive us … do not lead us into temptation …" Matthew 6:9-13
• "O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay." Daniel 9:19
• "Now Lord, look on their threats and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word." Acts 4:29

Sometimes that order is reversed, with the request coming first.

• "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved, for You are my praise." Jeremiah 17:14
• "Remember me, O my God, for good." Nehemiah 13:30
• "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties." Psalm 139:23

Some other prayer markers to watch for are the words "may" and "let".

• "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
• "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Which Biblical prayers mean the most to you?

Bible study… Intimidating? Frustrating? Go to the Source.

The Holy Spirit inspired every word written in Scripture.  He is the One who pulls back the curtain revealing new things each time we study Scripture. In fact the Bible itself underscores how necessary the Spirit is for understanding.

1 John 2:27 He teaches us

Isaiah 11:2 He is the source of all wisdom

John 14:26 He will teach us all things and remind us

John 16:13 He guides us into truth

Nehemiah 9:20 God gave the Spirit to instruct us

1 Corinthians 2:10-13 The Spirit searches and reveals the deep things of God, the things only He can know and teach

1 Corinthians 2:14 Learning from the Spirit is the mark of a believer

Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you read and study.  Let this be your prayer. “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your Law.”  Psalm 119:18