When we’re engaged in scripture reading and studying the word of God, true understanding isn’t based on our own intelligence or logic. To truly grasp God’s holy book, we must pray and ask the Author to open up His Word to us. Here are 4 essential reasons why you should pray when you study the Word of God.

1. You have access to the Author of the book.

Have you ever met the writers of your school textbooks or that favorite cookbook? Most of us haven’t, and thus have no direct way to ask questions or gain deeper insight.

The Bible, however, is the Word of God. As 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Every part of it came from God. Since we have direct access to Him and the opportunity for a personal relationship with the Author, it only makes sense to go to Him as we dig into His Word. It’s His book, and He provides the ultimate Bible study resources through direct communion. Use the access He gave you as you spend time in scripture reading.

2. Prayer acknowledges you need God’s help and guidance. 

Prayer, addressing the King of kings, is a privilege, not a burden. Even though Matthew 6:8 tells us, “your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him,” He still instructs us to pray and seek Him. Why? Our prayer acknowledges our reliance on His help and guidance. Prayer humbly invites God into our study, asking Him to reveal truths and fill in our gaps in understanding.

When we feel we “have it,” we don’t ask for help. But when we realize we’re not fully up to the task, we humble ourselves and seek assistance. We study the Bible because we know we need to understand God’s will and His way for our lives. Achieving true Biblical literacy is critical for abundant life here and our eternal destination. We are simply not smart enough to gain this understanding on our own, and the stakes are too high to risk it!

Just as the disciples asked Jesus questions for clarity (Matt. 13:36-43) and He “opened their understanding” (Luke 24:45), God can open our understanding too. Don’t lean on your own understanding (Prov. 3:5) as you engage in scripture reading. Instead, pray and ask God to guide you through His Word and help you rightly divide the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15). This is a vital part of any theological education.

3. Your natural man [psyche] can’t receive or know the things of God; it’s by the Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 2:10-14 provides profound insights into understanding the things of God:

“10 … God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.”

Verse 11 is key: No man can truly understand “God stuff” on his own; we need God’s Spirit! We need the Holy Spirit to teach us, reveal to us, and help us know the things of God. Our “natural man” (from the Greek psychē, relating to intellect and emotions) is insufficient. Jesus said, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). His Word is spiritual, focused on spiritual things. If we try to understand it solely with our natural intellect, we will fail. But if we instead pray to God, who leads and teaches us by His Spirit (John 14:26), we will be fruitful in studying the Bible and understanding His Word of God. This is foundational to Christian word.

4. Prayer helps you apply what you’re learning to your life.

The Bible isn’t just a book of helpful knowledge or interesting facts. It’s our textbook for every topic, our answer key for life, and our guide for eternity. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 explains it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

We must approach the Bible with the goal of not just knowing or understanding it, but seeking God for how to APPLY IT. The ultimate goal is to DO it. As we study the Bible and pray, God will help us become not just hearers, but “doers of the Word” (James 1:22-25).

“22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

Prayer helps us seek God for His wisdom, identify areas for personal growth, and gain strength to walk in what we’ve learned – to “do the Bible thing the Bible way” and achieve “Bible results.” This practical application is a hallmark of the best Christian education.

---

We must take the time to study (and Just Word Academy is a GREAT place to start) but as we study, we must pray that God open our understanding by His Spirit. We need His help! Prayer is asking for it, and we can be sure that as we pray and study, seeking the author, He’ll hear and help us understand and live His Holy Word.

Do you pray when you study the Bible? How has prayer helped you understand and apply the Word of God? What was your favorite reason above? Share your comments below!