Lyn Cooke Christian Blog and Commentary

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!

Day 19 - For Knowledge of the Word

I'm afraid that a pall has fallen. A veil is covering the eyes, the ears and the hearts of many. It's a false sense that they are okay in their walk with God.

They pray. They go to church. Perhaps they tithe. And serve in some capacity. They go about their routine and feel just fine about their faith.

And yet. They haven't read the Bible in months. Maybe years. Bible study is something they don't have time for. Perhaps they question its relevance for their daily lives.

In an article in Biola Magazine, Kenneth Berding, Professor of New Testament at Biola's Talbot School of Theology, quotes New Testament scholar David Nienhuis who summarizes his understanding of the situation in an article titled “The Problem of Evangelical Biblical Illiteracy: A View from the Classroom”:

 For well over twenty years now, Christian leaders have been lamenting the loss of general biblical literacy in America. … Some among us may be tempted to seek odd solace in the recognition that our culture is increasingly post-Christian. … Much to our embarrassment, however, it has become increasingly clear that the situation is really no better among confessing Christians, even those who claim to hold the Bible in high regard.

God made it very clear about how we are to engage scripture when He spoke to Joshua after Moses had died.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

Joshua 1:8

The time is short. We must get back to the Bible so that we can discern the truth from the lies.  The enemy is afoot and Jesus said in the last days, false prophets will "show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect."(Matthew 24:24)

 


 

Father, I come to You today thanking and praising You for giving us Your word. Thank You that You have not left us as orphans but have given us everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3) Father, we know that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. (1 John 5:19) Protect us from his schemes. Let us not be lead astray and do not let us be taken captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of this world, rather than according to Christ.(Colossians 2:8)

 Lord, You tell us in Your word that your people go into exile for lack of knowledge, and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude is parched with thirst. (Isaiah 5:13) Stir the hearts of Your people to turn back to You with a hunger for Your word. Do not let us reject Your law and despise Your word, O God. (Isaiah 5:24) Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Stir us, Lord. Quicken our hearts to run to the Fountain of Living Waters and drink. To seek You while You may be found. To call upon You while You are near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return to You and You will have compassion on him. For You will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7)

 O God, Your thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways Your ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Your ways higher than our ways, and Your thoughts than our thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth,and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall Your word be which goes forth from Your mouth. It shall not return to You empty, without accomplishing that which You desire and without succeeding in the matter for which You sent it. (Isaiah 55:9-11)

 Plant it deep in us, O God. Move in the hearts of Your people to feed and live on Your Word. In the name of the Word made flesh, Jesus, Amen.


This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you struggle to find the words to pray. 

Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Sick
Morning Prayers
Thanksgiving Prayer