3 Things to Know Before You Dive into the Word

Jul 7, 2025

I love jumping right into my Bible reading or Bible study time (mostly because I want to get it done efficiently!). But I have to intentionally stop to remember 3 things before I open my Bible—and I hope these reminders help you, too!

1. Knowledge is for obedience

Whatever you’re about to learn or gain when you open up your Bible, it is for obedience not pride (James 1:22; John 14:15).  

Here are 2 texts to pray that can help keep our hearts in check: 

  1. Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
  2. Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”

2. The Holy Spirit is the illuminator

This isn’t a solo effort, or a one woman show. The Holy Spirit inspired the biblical authors to write the words in the Bible, and he will illumine our minds to understand it. He does not give each of us “new truth,” but helps each of us to understand the true meaning of the text. Therefore, we have help for every passage and a guide for every word (1 Cor 2:13-14). 

Here’s a 2 minute video (from one of my favorite books, Grasping God’s Word by by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hayes) that describes the Holy Spirit’s work in the Word:

3. Prayer is the key

Is there something difficult in the text? Pray about it.

Is there something beautiful? Praise God for it.

Is there something inspiring? Thank God for it.

Is there something convicting? Repent over it. 

Is there something you need to do or say because of it? Petition God for the strength and wisdom to do it.

If you have read it, pray about it in some way (1 Thess 5:17).

A look into the weekly newsletter…

What I’m Loving This Week

Matt Smethurst’s book is a perfect companion to these ideas.

A Prayer for This Week

“Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.” Psalm 119:73

Inspiration for This Week

“Lord, give me faith!—to live from day to day,

With tranquil heart to do my simple part,

And, with my hand in Thine, just go Thy way.”

–John Oxenham

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Hi, I’m Stacie.

I am passionate about growing biblical literacy in the Church, supporting women’s ministries in their Word-centered work, and remaining a perpetual student of God’s Word.  

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