A Prayer for before Reading Scripture

Normally when I sit down to have a quiet time in the morning, I do one of two things first; open my Bible and start reading, or I try to pray—and struggle to get the words out because I haven’t had a coffee yet.

That’s why writing this prayer is as much for me as it is for you. 

It’s words that I have been, and will continue, to offer to God before I start reading the Scriptures each morning. I desperately want to focus my heart and mind on what I’m about to do, and ask for God’s help as I do that.

I know that structured or written prayer can be strange or formal for some people, but here’s why I hope this prayer helps: every line is taken from a verse of Scripture. I’ve shaped them a little, but the essence of every line you’ll find below is taken from the verse in brackets.

My hope is that this prayer is a way of centring your heart and mind on what matters before you read the Scriptures. That it would allow you to marvel at the beauty held in the Creator’s word, to acknowledge your forgetfulness if needed, and to ask the Triune God to be actively working the time you spend together.

Pray it each time you open your Bible, pray it occasionally, or use it as a launchpad for writing your own prayer!

May you love reading God’s word, as a way of loving God more deeply.

Good and Gracious Father,

Your words are more precious than gold, (Psalm 19:10)

a lamp for my feet and a light for my path, (Psalm 119:105)

sweeter than the taste of honey, (Psalm 19:10)

truer than the gift of life itself. (Psalm 119:60)

And yet I often convince myself otherwise,

falling into distraction and disregard,

for my ways are not steadfast, (Psalm 119:5) 

and my sin remains stubbornly wilful. (Psalm 19:13)

Father, hear my prayer:

turn my heart away from my desires and toward yours. (Psalm 119:36)

As I open your word, cause my

heart,

soul,

mind,

and strength to love you completely. (Mark 12:30)

Uncover my life and lay it bare,

penetrate my soul and spirit,

judge the attitudes and thoughts of my heart,

so that I become more like Jesus. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Grant me understanding to learn your commands, (Psalm 119:73)

that I may obey them with all my heart. (Psalm 119:34)

Be gracious and teach me your decrees, (Psalm 119:29)

that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 119:27)

Spirit of God—teach me and remind me in this moment, (John 14:25-27)

True and living Word—meet me in these words, (John 1:1)

Author of Life—allow me to delight in what you’ve written. (Psalm 1:2)

Amen.