Today’s topic for our week of fervent prayer is focused on devotion to Biblical study. It may seem odd to focus on Bible study during a week devoted to prayer, but Scripture creates the foundation for prayer to be built upon. The reason for this is anchored in the truth of God’s created universe. He has established what is right and what is wrong, he has even redeemed our ability to communicate with him through the death of Christ on the Cross. Without an understanding of truth revealed through Scripture, our prayers could wander and roam into a million different desires with many of them contrary to God’s will. Without an understanding of who God truly is as revealed in Scripture, our prayers would simply be hopes and wishes sent into a generic “universe” like many in society today. However, with a clear understanding of truth and a foundation in the Bible, we can pray to the God who loved us, redeemed us, disciplines us, and transforms us according to His will. All of his promises are anchored within truth and revealed in the Bible. Because of this, we are recommended to search the scriptures daily to anchor to truth, and verify what we are taught is truth (Acts 17:11). Many of the promises of peace and hope through prayer are found in meditating on the truths found in Scripture. (Php 4:4-9) And much of Spiritual warfare is anchored in the truth of who God is, and who we are in him (Eph 6:10-19).

Today take some time to examine your current devotion to Bible Study, and remember there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Ro 8:1). If you find that it is an area of your life that needs growth, pray for God’s help in this. Take notes during the sermons and small groups. Go to Scripture and examine it daily to see if what you were taught is true (Acts 17:11). Build a daily devotion that sharpens your understanding of God’s truth. Help can be found in reading plans, or Bible study groups. Then use that foundation of Biblical truth as a sword of the spirit in your prayers and devotions..