This podcast is a repost, was originally published on July 7, 2017

Series: Prayer for Bible Reading

We’ve been learning from the book of Proverbs chapter 1 on things we should pray before reading the Bible, before going to God to hear His voice. The above verse tells us that we need to grow in the Fear of God.

• When we read our Bible, it must create awe in our hearts and a deep respect for who God is

Don’t be satisfied with a superficial understanding of God. The more God reveals Himself and explains to us who He really is, the more it ought to create in us a sense of awe and dependency on God, giving us a revelation of how small we are compared to God. Many people have a higher understanding of themselves when they read the Bible than of God. That should not be the case with real, authentic children of God. When we read the Bible and become aware of His power and see His love, mercy and grace at work, it ought to bring a great level of awe and respect and blind us in the greatness of His glory.

• Fear of the Lord

Fear of the Lord does not mean being scared of God. It is having a deep awe and holy reverence for Him. Just as we honor our earthly father, God deserves our respect and honor even more. In Malachi chapter one, God says ‘If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve?’ Fear of the Lord will lay the foundation of our Bible study. Before you read your Bible, pray that you will be someone with so much fear for His presence, His voice and His word, that you will not ignore what you hear or take it for granted but put it into action. Lack of fear of God is a big challenge in the church today and when it is restored, everything will fall into place.

If you do not have the fear of the Lord, may He change this about you and give you a fresh perspective of who He is and what His word says.