When you read the Bible, what are your expectations of God?
What would you like Him to do for you, in you, and through you, as a result of spending time in His Word?
Here’s a suggestion.
It’s based on 2 Timothy 3:14-17 . . .
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (NIV).
This is an incredible passage. Here we see how Scripture is indispensable in God’s work of changing us:
The Word gives us the wisdom to receive salvation through faith in Christ, and then Scripture transforms us through God’s work of sanctification by teaching us, rebuking us, correcting us, and training us in righteousness, all for the purpose of equipping us to do good works that advance the kingdom and bring glory to Jesus.
Before reading the Word, here’s a prayer I like to pray:
“Lord, thank you for giving us your Word. Thank you for giving us your truth in written form, and I thank you for all the people who taught us how to read words at a young age.
“I thank you that I can read the Bible, and by the power of your Spirit, understand it and hear your voice speaking to me.
“As I read your Word today, please come and teach me, rebuke me, correct me, and train me in righteousness. And then enable me to do good works today that show people who you are and how great you are.
“I ask for this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
When you read the Word, feel free to make this prayer your own.
For more thoughts on how to pray when reading the Bible, check out this article:
Do You Make This Mistake When Reading the Bible?
What do you pray for when you read the Word? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.
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- What to Expect from God When You Read the Bible - April 26, 2026
- How to Get in the Routine of Regular Bible Study - April 19, 2026
