Remember to use these guidelines when reading the Bible:

	Read systematically – rather than just opening at any page, choose a book (I suggest the gospel of John) and read right through it.
	Read regularly – find a time, every day, when you can read the Bible. Try to read at least a chapter a day.
	Read thoughtfully – think about what you’re reading! If you don’t understand, talk to someone else, or get a Bible dictionary or commentary.
	Read prayerfully – pray before you read. Ask God to teach you. Expect Him to do that!
	Read with others – find a Bible study or partner with whom you can read, so you can discuss the Bible together.

2. Watering
For a plant to grow, it needs water. Rain falls from the sky. Or, we water it. A plant without moisture wilts and, ultimately, dies.

For you as a Christian, prayer is like watering. Prayer is talking with God. And it is essential for growth. It is worthwhile to note that the great men of the Bible and even Jesus, Himself, prayed (Daniel 6:10, Mark 1:35, Luke 22:31-32, John 11:41-42, John 17). There are several times in the Bible which indicate that Jesus expected His people to pray, and highlighted the results we can expect from prayer (Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 18:19-20, John 15:16, John 16:24).

In Matthew 6:5-14, Jesus gives us a short lesson in how to pray! Many of us know this as "The Lord’s Prayer." We can just repeat it word for word. More helpful is to use it as an outline for prayer. A familiar acronym many people use to help them pray is ACTS – notice how each part of this prayer is found in the "Lord’s Prayer":

	Adoration – praise God for who He is and what He’s done in your life
	Confession – confess your sins to God. Be assured he will forgive you (see 1 John 1:9)
	Thanksgiving – take a few moments to reflect on God’s blessings --- your home, family, friends, faith
	Supplication – what other people do you want to pray for? What do you need to pray about in your own life?

You can use this as an outline for your prayer. There is no special position in which you must pray (sitting down, kneeling, standing); there is no special vocabulary you must use! Simply talk to God! Praise Him! Tell Him you are sorry for your sins. Thank Him for your blessings. Tell Him about your needs and concerns. And, take time to listen! God can talk to us through prayer, too!

As with Bible reading, it is good to get into the habit of praying regularly (at least once, if not twice per day), thoughtfully (think about what you want to pray for and why), and expectantly.

3. A solid foundation
Plants have to be "anchored" in good soil, or sunlight and water won’t do any good! The soil helps the plant stand up, and it contains many of the essential nutrients the plant needs.

You need to be rooted in a good church congregation! Christians in a local church fellowship can encourage you in your faith and help you through difficult times – they can help you stand up as a Christian. And the other Christians in the church can help you grow in your faith because they have "been there, done that" – they have wisdom and experience they can share with you. There is something wonderfully exciting about being part of a local church where people encourage one another, learn from one another, and learn together through Bible study and prayer.

It is significant that the Bible knows nothing of "Lone Ranger" Christians – Christians who are not part of a local church. As you read the New Testament (read from Acts to the end of our Bibles in Revelation) – believers are always in churches! Never on their own! Indeed Scripture is firm that "meeting together" is the norm (see Hebrews 10:19-39).

Copyright 1999 by Dr. Bruce Martin
 
 

Main page