Neville Turley

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

The answer to many of the questions that Christians anxiously seek in their prayers to God are already in their Bible.

Martin Luther spent many years praying and meditating on the Bible.  The question that tormented him was - what must one do to be deemed righteous before God? 

To find the answer he tried everything, from spending nights sleeping on a cold floor to climbing steps in Rome on his knees, whilst praying.  Still the answer eluded him and he gained no peace in his soul.

Then one day whilst praying and meditating on Romans 1:17 the Holy Spirit revealed the heart of the Gospel to him. The righteousness by which we are justified is not our own righteousness but the righteousness of Christ.  (Romans 3:23-24)

A merciful God justifies us through faith in Christ alone.  It was Martin Luther’s Damascus moment. “When I discovered that, I was born again of the Holy Ghost.  And the doors of paradise swung open and I walked through.” (Sprout, RC:  Luther and the Reformation)

Martin Luther’s born again experience emphasises the essential role God’s word plays in our prayer life.  We need to ground ourselves in the Bible.  We can do so by reading and meditating on what the Bible says during our prayer time.

A good way to read the Bible systematically is by following a reading plan.  The Bible Society makes one available free of charge.  Download it from their resources category on their website – www.biblesociety.co.za

Prayer:  Almighty God we praise and honour you. Thank you for your Son and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. May our conduct always be pleasing in your sight.  This we ask for your love’s sake   Amen