Pray with an Open Bible

[Pray] in the Holy Spirit…

Jude 20

The Bible contains some marvellous prayers that were breathed out by the Spirit of God. You will find many of them in the book of Psalms.

The whole Bible was written as men were carried along by the Holy Spirit, and as you fill your mind with God’s Word, you will begin to think God’s thoughts after Him.

If you learn to form your prayers from the Bible, you will be praying in a way that reflects the heart and mind of God. You might like to begin with the Psalms:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…
Help me to recognise advice that is dishonouring to You today and not to follow it.

…nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. (Psa. 1:1)
Lord, keep me from cynicism today. Keep me from looking at any wrong path.

His delight is in the law of the LORD. (Psa. 1:2)
Lord, help me to love You and to love Your law. Help me to see the blessing of walking in Your way, and to have new joy in doing that.

Turning the Scriptures into prayers will help you keep your prayers fresh. Every day you will see something new. More than that, your mind will be guided into the thoughts of God.

This is the difference between eastern mysticism and Christian prayer. Mysticism says, “Empty your mind so you can pray.” God says, “Fill your mind so you can pray.”

Let an open Bible guide your praying, and you’ll find that you begin to think God’s thoughts after Him as you pray in the Spirit.

Does your prayer life tend more toward eastern mysticism or Christian prayer?