Bible Study Informing Prayer Life
The Role of Bible Study in Informing Prayer Life
The practice of prayer is deeply intertwined with the study of Scripture, as both are essential components of a vibrant Christian life. According to Charles Hodge, prayer is "the converse of the soul with God" wherein believers express their reverence, gratitude, and desires to Him [9]. The Bible itself provides numerous examples and teachings on prayer, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.
The Psalms, for instance, are replete with prayers that express a range of emotions and needs, from lament and confession to thanksgiving and praise. Psalm 16:7 (Geneva1599) notes, "I wil prayse the Lord, who hath giuen me counsell: my reines also teach me in the nightes," highlighting the connection between divine guidance and prayer [2]. Similarly, Psalm 119:175 (BBE) petitions, "Give life to my soul so that it may give you praise; and let your decisions be my support," demonstrating how prayer is linked to the desire for spiritual life and guidance [4].
The New Testament also underscores the significance of prayer. Jesus is portrayed as a model of prayerfulness, with Mark 1:35 noting that despite his busy ministry, Jesus sought time to pray [6]. The Apostle Paul's writings further emphasize the importance of prayer, as seen in Philippians 1:9, where he prays that the believers' love may "abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment" [5].
The early Church Fathers also recognized the importance of prayer in the Christian life. Augustine, in his work "On the Holy Trinity," discusses the Lord's Prayer as a model for Christian prayer, interpreting its petitions as encompassing both eternal and temporal blessings [8]. In "Confessions," Augustine further reflects on the nature of prayer, advocating for a continuous desire for God alongside the formal act of praying [7].
The study of Scripture informs prayer life by providing the language, themes, and examples that shape Christian prayer. Torrey's Topical Textbook categorizes various aspects of prayer found in the Bible, including prayers under affliction, for divine comfort, and for pardon and deliverance from sin [1, 3]. These categories illustrate how the Bible provides a comprehensive guide for prayer, addressing various human experiences and spiritual needs.
Moreover, the Reformed tradition, as represented by John Calvin, emphasizes the role of prayer as a means of grace and a demonstration of faith. Calvin notes that prayer is a "perpetual exercise of faith" and a means by which believers communicate with God and seek His blessings [10].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Psalms “Psalms 16:7 (Geneva1599) — I wil prayse the Lord, who hath giuen me counsell: my reines also teach me in the nightes.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer — Commanded -- Isa 55:6; Mt 7:7; Php 4:6. To be offered To God. -- Ps 5:2; Mt 4:10. To Christ. -- Lu 23:42; Ac 7:59. To the Holy Spirit. -- 2Th 3:5. Through Christ. -- Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19. God hears -- Ps 10:17; 65:2. God answers -- Ps 99:6; Isa 58:9. Is described as Bowing the knees. -- Eph 3:14. Looking up. -- Ps 5:3. Lifting up the soul. -- Ps 25:1. Lifting up the heart. -- La 3:41. Pouring out the heart. -- Ps 62:8. Pouring out the soul. -- 1Sa 1:15. Calling upon the name of the Lord. -- Ge 12:8; Ps 116:4; Ac 22:16. Crying to God. -- Ps 27:7; 34:6. Drawing”
- Psalms “Psalms 119:175 (BBE) — Give life to my soul so that it may give you praise; and let your decisions be my support.”
- Philippians “This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; -- Philippians 1:9”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 1:35: 1:35 Despite Jesus’ busy ministry, he sought time to pray (6:46; 14:32-39). Mark emphasizes the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life (cp. Luke 3:21; 6:12; 9:18, 28-29; 11:1-4; 18:1; 22:32).”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 1: Augustine — Confessions, Letters — CHAP. IX -- 18. When we cherish uninterrupted desire along with the exercise of faith and hope and charity, we "pray always." But at certain stated hours and seasons we also use. words in prayer to Go: CHAP. X. -- 19. Wherefore it is neither wrong ! nor unprofitable to spend much time in praying, if there be leisure for this without hindering other good and necessary works to which duty' calls us, although even in the doing of these, as I have said, we ought by cherishing holy desire to pray without ceasing. For to spend a long time in prayer is ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — CHAP. 115.--THE SEVEN PETITIONS OF THE LORD'S PRAYER, ACCORDING TO MATTHEW.: Accordingly, in the Gospel according to Matthew the Lord's Prayer seems to embrace seven petitions, three of which ask for eternal blessings, and the remaining four for temporal; these latter, however, being necessary antecedents to the attainment of the eternal. For when we say, "Hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven"(2) (which some have interpreted, not unfairly, in body as well as in spirit), we ask for blessings that are”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 73: § 20. Prayer. Prayer is the converse of the soul with God. Therein we manifest or express to Him our reverence, and love for his divine perfection, our gratitude for all his mercies, our penitence for our sins, our hope in his forgiving love, our submission to his authority, our confidence in his care, our desires for his favour, and for the providential and spiritual blessings needed for ourselves and others. As religion, in the subjective sense of the word, is the state of mind induced by the due apprehension of the character of God and”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: 2143 CHAPTER 20. OF PRAYER—A PERPETUAL EXERCISE OF FAITH. THE DAILY BENEFITS DERIVED FROM IT. The principal divisions of this chapter are,—I. Connection of the subject of prayer with the previous chapters. The nature of prayer, and its necessity as a Christian exercise, sec. 1, 2. II. To whom prayer is to be offered. Refutation of an objection which is too apt to present itself to the mind, sec. 3. III. Rules to be observed in prayer, sec. 4-16. IV. Through whom prayer is to be made, sec. 17-19. V. Refutation of an error as to the ”