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A Simple Pattern of Bible Reading and Prayer by Pastor Charlie Handren

By Anonymous
     The greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all of our heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:28-34). It touches my heart so deeply that our Creator and Lord wants, above all things, a loving relationship with those he created in his image. Just think of all the things he could have commanded us to do above all other things, and then be in awe of the heart and will of God for his creation!

     With this in mind, we would do well to ponder this principle: in order to love God most, we must put him first. We must make him a priority in our daily schedule, in our thoughts, and in our affections. Now, I’m a morning person and by God’s grace I’m able to wake up early enough to spend time with the Lord before going to work. If you’re not a morning person or your schedule doesn’t allow you to spend time with the Lord each morning, then just find some way to say “good morning” to the Lord and labor to set your mind on things above. Then commit yourself to a regular time with the Lord later in the day, and treat that appointment like it’s the most important appointment of your life—because it is!

     With this in mind, here’s my daily pattern for reading and memory. First, when I wake up in the morning, I grab my Bible right away and open to my reading for the day. Over the years, I’ve learned that if my first decision is to be with God, I’m much more aware of him and prone to seek him in all things. Second, before I read, I say good morning to the Lord, and ask him to help me as I read his Word. I don’t pray very long, just enough to turn my heart toward him and ask for his assistance. Third, I read my daily readings. This year I’m using the Discipleship Journal “One-Book-at-a-Time Plan,” so I read 3-4 chapters per day. I don’t go too deep, I just read and open my heart to God. 

     Fourth, I memorize or rehearse the weekly memory verse from the Fighter Verse program. It takes me 5-15 minutes to memorize the verse each week, and 1-2 minutes to rehearse it from day to day. Finally, I take some time to pray, to talk to the Lord. Sometimes I use a prayer list, other times I just talk to him about whatever he showed me in his Word or whatever is on my heart. Sometimes I just close my eyes, sit in silence, and enjoy being with my Creator and Savior. Love doesn’t need a lot of rules. When we rest in the presence of our Father, he leads us in the way we should go.

     With this foundation for the day, my heart is more disposed to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This way of life is the will of God in Christ Jesus for his people, and oh what a blessed way of life it is. And this way of life is best nurtured as we put God first each day, spending special time with him and surrendering our hearts to him.

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