In what ways can we "know You" more deeply through prayer and study? Setting the Context Philippians 3:10: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death.” What It Means to “Know You” • More than information—personal, experiential relationship (Jeremiah 9:24). • Ongoing pursuit, never finished (2 Peter 3:18). • Involves mind, heart, and will (John 17:3). Ways to Grow Through Prayer • Practice praise first—focus on who God is before requests (Psalm 100:4). • Pray Scripture back to God; let His words shape your words (Psalm 119:18). • Keep a prayer journal—track God’s answers and your growth. • Schedule focused, unrushed time; relationship deepens with undivided attention (Mark 1:35). • Include confession and surrender; intimacy thrives in honesty (1 John 1:9). • Ask specifically for revelation: “Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17). Ways to Grow Through Study • Read systematically—book by book to grasp full context (Acts 20:27). • Compare Scripture with Scripture; let clearer passages explain harder ones (Isaiah 28:10). • Memorize key verses; meditation moves truth from mind to heart (Psalm 119:11). • Use sound resources—lexicons, concordances, trustworthy commentaries, but let the text stay final authority (2 Timothy 2:15). • Study in community; sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17; Acts 17:11). • Apply immediately; obedience cements knowledge (James 1:22). Putting It Into Practice 1. Choose a Gospel for focused reading; journal daily insights and pray them back. 2. Set a 15-minute morning slot exclusively for praise-centered prayer. 3. Memorize Philippians 3:10 and recite it when decisions arise. 4. Join or form a small Bible-reading group; discuss weekly applications. 5. Review answered prayers monthly to see God’s character in action. Pursue these habits, and “the path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18). |
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